Snow leopards inhabit some of the most remote mountain terrain on earth and face welfare threats from prey decline, retaliatory killing, and climate change.
Snow leopard welfare is primarily threatened through human conflict and habitat degradation. Retaliatory killing causes acute suffering and death, often through traps or poisoning. Injured animals that escape die slowly from wounds. Snow leopards caught in snares intended for other species suffer prolonged distress. Climate change is shrinking the alpine habitat they depend on, forcing animals into narrower ranges with more competition and more livestock conflict. Holistic programs combining livestock insurance, predator-proof corrals, and community conservation incentives have shown the greatest success in reducing conflict.