Why are Snow Leopards Important?
Snow Leopards are top-level consumers in the Central Asian mountains. Their main diet is dependent on the availability of herbivorous species like wild sheep and goats. The Snow leopard's ecological niche is to prey upon these species which controls their population and health. If these important cats were to be wiped out of the ecosystem, that would impact the equilibrium of the environment. Species of wild sheep and goats would increase, which also means overgrazing would occur. This problem would not only effect negatively the plant populations, but it could also effect the local farmers. Overall, the ecosystem would start heading towards a downward spiral without the Snow Leopards to keep the herbivorous species in check. Also, reports about Snow Leopard attacks on humans have NEVER been heard before. These animals are painfully reclusive, and would run away from humans rather than attack. Why should these animals pay for the actions of humans?
Local Farmers are already facing the impact of the declining Snow Leopard population! Since this keystone species is disappearing, there is an increase in grazing from the herbivorous populations. This causes soil erosion, major runoff after rainfall, and replacement of native species with plants such as weeds. this makes it difficult to sustain large herds of domesticated livestock.