What is the Problem?
There are multiple factors that are pressuring the survival of this species. Many of the cat's resources are displaced due to the increase in human population. The main problem from humans is poaching. Poaching is the act of illegally hunting a certain species.
Poaching
Poaching is happening all over the world and weakening important species. These acts are the main threat to the Snow Leopard and something that these cats cannot control themselves. They are killed for their beautiful pelts and body parts. Their fur can be sold for thousands of dollars, and their body parts, especially bones, are in high demand for use in traditional Asian medicine. Recently, the demand for Snow Leopard bone has increased because they are used as a replacement for tiger bones in the traditional Asian medicine. Also, Snow Leopards are opportunistic hunters. This means, that when they cannot catch food of their own, they will hunt domesticated livestock from local farmers. Since domesticated livestock are the farmer's only source of income, many farmers kill these cats in order to keep their herds safe.
Although poaching is bad, you must understand that most of the poachers are locals and live in poverty. Many do not have stable jobs and need to have some sort of income to provide for their family. Certain organizations try to help this problem by introducing knew economic solutions and educating the local people.
Poaching is happening all over the world and weakening important species. These acts are the main threat to the Snow Leopard and something that these cats cannot control themselves. They are killed for their beautiful pelts and body parts. Their fur can be sold for thousands of dollars, and their body parts, especially bones, are in high demand for use in traditional Asian medicine. Recently, the demand for Snow Leopard bone has increased because they are used as a replacement for tiger bones in the traditional Asian medicine. Also, Snow Leopards are opportunistic hunters. This means, that when they cannot catch food of their own, they will hunt domesticated livestock from local farmers. Since domesticated livestock are the farmer's only source of income, many farmers kill these cats in order to keep their herds safe.
Although poaching is bad, you must understand that most of the poachers are locals and live in poverty. Many do not have stable jobs and need to have some sort of income to provide for their family. Certain organizations try to help this problem by introducing knew economic solutions and educating the local people.