1. What makes the snow leopard truly extraordinary (aside from its obvious beauty)? This endangered cat is considered an umbrella species in its fragile mountain ecosystem. When we protect snow leopards and their habitat, we safeguard countless other species and preserve vital freshwater sources that sustain millions of people who depend upon them downstream. Unfortunately, there may be as few as 4,000 snow leopards left in the wild. If they disappear, the delicate balance unravels, threatening the entire ecosystem as well as humans. It’s up to all of us to ensure that doesn’t happen. 2. Did you know snow leopards have the power to unite people and bring nations together? Thanks to the Global Snow Leopard and Ecosystem Protection Program (GSLEP), an extraordinary alliance has formed among the 12 nations that share the snow leopard’s mountain habitat. Many member countries have experienced recent armed conflicts with each other and some lack bilateral relations due to geopolitical disputes. Yet the shared mission of protecting snow leopards transcends these differences. These nations set aside their political tensions to partner with each other—and with us—a powerful example of how snow leopard conservation can build bridges and hope. 3. Can traditional beliefs play a role in protecting an endangered species? Yes! Many Indigenous cultures in Asia regard snow leopards as sacred animals and spiritual protectors. With protection and snow leopard tourism, some have started holding snow leopard festivals and celebrations to honor this magnificent creature. This deep cultural connection translates into direct conservation action to protect snow leopards, their prey species and their habitat.  Snow Leopard Festival in Kibber Village in India’s Spiti Valley. People here have been protecting snow leopards in collaboration with us for 28 years, and today, Spiti is known for snow leopard tourism.  4. Would you protect a predator that threatens your livelihood? This is the reality for communities living alongside snow leopards, where a single predation event can cause devastating emotional and financial harm. Yet remarkably, Snow Leopard Trust partner communities are committed to coexistence, developing non-lethal solutions that protect both their valuable livestock and these endangered cats. These include: Community-managed livestock insurance programs to help alleviate the financial burden of snow leopard predation by sharing economic loss and offering compensation for lost animals. Livestock vaccination programs improve animal health, increasing incomes and making it easier to withstand occasional losses to predators. Predator-proof corrals help herders keep livestock safe from snow leopards and other predators. Livelihood enhancement programs such as beekeeping, planting fruit trees, and dairy production improve quality of life, reduce economic impacts from snow leopard predation and promote coexistence with wildlife. Kuban Jumabai, Director of our Kyrgyzstan Program, stands in front of a predator-proof corral.  5. Did you know the people who have the most at stake are doing their utmost to protect these threatened cats? Snow Leopard Trust’s conservation initiatives prioritize collaboration with local and Indigenous communities who coexist with predators living in their backyards. While this is not easy for them to do, these communities have become some of the snow leopard’s fiercest allies. Together, they are currently safeguarding over 60,000 square kilometers of snow leopard habitat from illegal hunting and habitat degradation.  The Snow Leopard Trust conservation programs you support help make all this possible. Chuka and Davkharbayar Dashzeveg are conservation champions in their community even though a snow leopard attacked one of their horses years ago.  The story of the snow leopard is ultimately our own story, told through the eyes of a creature who reminds us of what we stand to lose and what we might still preserve. If you’re looking for a way to make a difference for snow leopards and the planet, this is your chance.   Our conservation strategies to protect these endangered cats and their habitat are working. However, long-term conservation is only possible if we have consistent funding – which is why monthly donors are so vital to our mission. Will you join Team Snow Leopard as a monthly donor?  Photo credits: Jake Davis, Behzad Larry, Prasen Yadav, SLF-Kyrgyzstan, SLCF-Mongolia The post Five Incredible Facts about Snow Leopards and Us appeared first on Snow Leopard Trust.