Endangered Snow Leopard - Research Paper Example

?Your Endangered Snow Leopard Introduction Snow leopard is categorized as critically endangered species by the International Union of the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN, 2001) .Endangered species is categorized as highly exposed to extinction (Hogan and Jamison). Snow leopard population is estimated to be 4,080-6590 globally (McCarthy et al, 2003: Table II). IUCN (2006) guidelines defined population as total number of mature individuals. It is the number of identified, estimated, or inferred to capable of reproduction. Global snow leopards’ effective population size is estimated to be about 50 percent of the total population which implies that there are 2,040-3,295 snow leopards in the world (qtd. in Jackson et al.) This paper studies the factors contributing to the threats of snow leopards’ extinction; its impact; and suggested solutions. Snow leopard is found in the high mountains of Central Asia with major regions that include: Altai, Pamir, Hindu Kush, Tian Shan, Kun Lun, Karakorum, and Himalayan ranges (McCarthy et al.).Ecological regions are defined to be Altai-Sayan, Trans-Altai Alashan, Tian Shan, Pamir, Gobi, Hindu-Kush, Himalayas, Karakorum, Tibetan Plateau, and Hengduan Mountains (Williams, 2008 qtd. in Jackson et al.) 2. Causes of being endangered Major factors which contribute to the threats of snow leopards include: decreasing prey base; illegal trade; encounter with local people; lacking conservation activities; inadequate policy and implementation; and lack of awareness among people (Jackson et al.).The Snow Leopard Survival Strategy determined major threats to the specie which can be categorized as: habitat and prey; direct killing; policy and awareness; and other issues (McCarthy et al. 31). 2.1 Habitat and Prey Threats  2.1.1.Habitat Fragmentation and Degradation         Snow leopards utilize several habitat types on marginal basis; however, they have strong association with high alpine tundra which is a very fragile ecosystem itself. Such narrow scale of habitat expose snow leopard to the vulnerability of habitat change in particular. Changes in the habitat over most of snow leopard range do not comply with the common perception of habitat degradation and fragmentation. Construction of roads, large scale natural resource extraction, and urbanization takes place within the snow leopard range; however, its incidence is rare due to remoteness and inaccessibility. Most observed form of habitat alteration is comparatively subtle but equally destructive and happens in the form of livestock and their owners’ interference (McCarthy et al. 29).  2.1.2. Natural Prey Reduction         Snow leopard’s habitat mountain ungulates are hunted, either illegally or without any regulation. They are hunted by locals either for meat or as a symbol of their victory; meat is also used to serve for honored guest or on special holidays. Moreover, wild meat is greatly appreciated due to its medicinal value. Sometimes, illegal hunting occurs as a result of commercial activity. There is nearly absence of legal hunting by locals which disenfranchises them and makes it hard to comply with the law. Legal harvesting exceeds the allowed area which results in the reduction of snow leopard food resources (McCarthy et al. 30). 2.1.3. Legal Hunting of Natural Prey Sheep and goats trophy hunting is quite prevalent and a lucrative business in most of snow leopard rage-states. It generates wealth for private and state hunting reserves. However, they can play a vital role in community base conservation by providing local people with the incentives to protect wild life and its habitat. These hunts are not properly manages and lead to either medium-term social instability or long-term genetic issues. Major conflict in interest is created by the major part of income is generated by trophy hunting. Ungulate stock is reduced limiting the surviving ability of snow leopard and other carnivores. Other declining prey species like marmots are essential for fur markets, and pikas are hunted by widespread vermin poisoning campaigns (McCarthy et al. 30). 2.1.4. Natural Prey Reduction Livestock and wild ungulates competition leads to declining wild stock and reduced natural prey base for snow leopard. Reduction in natural prey base has two potential consequences. Firstly, reduced carrying capacity leads to direct loss of snow leopards. Secondly, preying of domestic livestock and retributive killing of leopard by their owners has increased. Moreover, ungulate number decline due to diseases (McCarthy et al. 30). 2.1.5. Animal Migration Issues In most of the countries, in particular, former Soviet States, borders are extensively fenced due to security concerns. These hinder wild ungulate movement and natural migration patterns which impedes dispersal and breeding aggregation. Decreasing population areas may separate from potential source of migrating animals and disturbing meta-population dynamics on a wide scale (McCarthy et al. 30). 2.2. Direct Hunting of Snow Leopard 2.2.1.Retributive Killing Snow leopards hunt domestic livestock which results in retributive hunting by livestock owners. Moreover, owner encroachment is increasing within leopard habitat. Owners depend on livestock for their living, clothing, food, and trade, therefore, retributive killing situation is understandable but complex. Greatest hunting occur in the places of where native prey species, such as, ibex, argali, marmot, and blue sheep is reduced. Situation is even more critical where herders don’t employ sufficient efforts for guarding their animals (McCarthy et al. 30). 2.2.2. Poaching of Snow Leopard Snow leopards are hunted for pelts which always remain in high demand. With a single pelt, herder can pocket a few hundred or even thousand dollars from international black market. Poaching is widespread in Central Asian Protected Areas where people who used to protect animals are hunting them due to financial issues created by unemployment. Kyrgyzstan has lost 30 percent of its snow leopard within last eight years. Snow leopard bones are in high demand because traditional Asian medicine uses them as an alternative to tiger bones. A complete fresh snow leopard is traded for several thousand dollars. Organized crime is also playing a critical role in the survival of illegal trade in most of the areas (McCarthy et al. 30). 2.2.3. Zoo, Museum, or Circus Collection Trapping and sale of living snow leopards, in particular, cubs are widespread. Zoo markets appear to be the target market for live hunting, particularly in Asia. Reputable zoo have breeding programs for maintaining their population (McCarthy et al. 30). 2.2.4. Tradition Hunting Snow leopard hides are used as traditional ornamentation for home and clothing. These hides serve as a status symbol and a highly prized gift. Snow leopard hunters and catchers hold esteemed positions among their peers .Therefore, eliminating such cultural practices can be problematic. Large number of illegally traded hides serves powerful individuals or officials of the country (McCarthy et al. 31). 2.2.5. Secondary Poisoning or Diseases Snow leopards overlap with other predators which are targeted in trapping and poisoning campaigns. They become unintended victims; however, such incidents can’t be assessed due to lack of reporting. Snow leopard diseases is lesser documented than prey diseases (McCarthy et al. 31). 2.3. Policy and Awareness Issues According to different research studies, increase in diversity leads to increased productivity, increased nutrient retention in ecosystem, and increased stability (Tilman 208).Conservation policies for snow leopard and prey are inadequate on both national and local level. Action plan for all species is not sufficient while top-down plan is not implemented. The policies which exist are lacking in implementation due to unclear responsibilities and corruption. The efforts are lacking for trans-boundary operations for animals and their habitat. Authorities are incapable of carrying out the least possible protective measure as the staff is underpaid or poorly equipped. Furthermore, locals find retributive hunting as justified. On the other hand, policy makers are also unaware of the conservation principles. Other issues include war and related military activities which hunt, prey, habitat, and snow leopards simultaneously (McCarthy et al. 31-32).War not only threaten them but also make the intervention impossible(Habibi 45). Climate change also effects snow leopards’ natural habitat. Human population growth and subsequent expansion and poverty put humans in direct competition with wild life for living (McCarthy et al. 31-32). 3. Impact of Extinction Endangered species leads on the path of extinction. Only one disappeared specie from the ecosystem can lead to destabilization, furthermore, it endanger other dependant species by removing food source, nesting sites, and similar interactive issues. Removal of a predator can also threaten the proportion of a population (Hogan and Jamison). Another obvious result will be the extinction of another beautiful animal from the face of the earth. 4. Suggested Solutions The Snow Leopard Survival Strategy suggests conservation measures. Grazing practices should be improved for yield and efficiency (McCarthy et al. 33).Local communities should be give financial incentives for conserving snow leopards, such as, wildlife ecotourism; cottage industry; handicrafts; and well-organized ungulate trophy hunting programs (Mishra et al. 1512).Conservation education awareness campaigns should be conducted for local, national , and international target audience(Jackson et al.). For reduced poaching and illegal trade, legislation and conservation policies should be strengthened for hunting and trading complete animal or in parts. Trading borders, markets, routs, and crossings must be regulated. Proper channels of information sharing, equipment, and technical trainings should be given to the staff (Theile 1-2).Nowell (2007) suggests that international cooperation must be strengthened in order to enforce trade ban by following CITES resolutions. 5. Conclusion Snow Leopards are listed to be endangered species under C1.The beautiful animal is suspected to have declined in number by at least 20 percent over a small period of 16 years. Major factors are cited as reduced habitat and prey base, poaching, and persecution (Jackson et al.2011).Lose caused by poaching proved to be more damaging in former Russian republics during 1990s (Koshkarev and Vyrypaev 10; McCarthy et al.22; Theile 5).Poaching conditions have improved there, but poaching and illegal trade in a vast range of snow leopard is highly likely to continue due to increasing demand from China. Overstocking of the fragile high-altitude grasslands is also prevalent in the region. This situation leads to the reduction of wild prey base. Consequently, retributive preying increases as snow leopard turn to livestock for food (McCarthy et al. 32-54).It is highly critical to control the situation with local, national, and international cooperation. Such cooperation can only be achieved by awareness and understanding of the importance of wild life and its importance for human existence. Works Cited Habibi, Khushal. 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