Snow leopards are iconic apex predators of the high mountains of Central Asia. Climate change is shrinking their already limited habitat, creating new welfare and conservation challenges.
Wild snow leopards face welfare challenges from territorial compression as climate change alters their high-altitude habitat. Competition for shrinking prey drives individuals into lower elevations and closer contact with human communities. Livestock predation then triggers retaliatory killing, causing injury and death. Injured snow leopards may survive for weeks or months with wounds before dying. Community-based conservation programs that compensate herders and protect livestock are the most effective welfare interventions.