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Climate change and low genetic diversity/ Snow leopards at risk of extinction

2025-10-13 22:41:00, Kuriozitete CNA

Climate change and low genetic diversity/ Snow leopards at risk of extinction

Snow leopards are at high risk of extinction in the wild. Illegal hunting and habitat destruction threaten the animals, which are native to the mountain ranges of Central Asia and Asia.

But a new study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, shows that their genetic makeup may also be influencing their decline in numbers. 

Snow leopards are a majestic species. One of the largest cats, they are found in the mountainous regions of 12 Asian countries, including Russia, Afghanistan, Nepal and Tibet.

These cats are well adapted to these extreme cold and mountainous environments. They are also important keystone species: they hunt animals such as Tibetan blue sheep, Siberian chamois, and ibex.

But there aren't many snow leopards left. Population estimates range from 4,500 to 7,500 individuals.

And because of this small population size, they are classified as "vulnerable" on the IUCN Red List. /CNA





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