International Snow Leopard Day

International Snow Leopard Day is annually on October 23rd. It is a day dedicated to raising awareness about the plight of the snow leopard and the need to protect them from extinction. Snow leopards face a multitude of threats, such as poaching and habitat loss, and need people’s help to protect them.

History

International Snow Leopard Day was first in 2014 with the goal of raising awareness about snow leopards and the issues they face. Since then, many countries, such as India, China, Russia, Mongolia, and Pakistan, have joined the event and signed a declaration to conserve the species. Snow leopards are native to Central Asia, where they live in harsh conditions at altitudes of 3,000 to 4,000 meters. Every year, government efforts are made to protect the leopards’ habitats, and a working secretariat has been established in Bishkek to coordinate the joint efforts.

Interesting facts

• Snow leopards have long tails for balance and to protect themselves from the cold. In some cases, the tail is as long as the body itself.
• The fur on the leopard’s belly is about five inches thick.
• Unlike other big cats, snow leopards cannot growl; instead, they purr and make other sounds similar to domestic cats.
• They are adept at moving through the snow due to their wide paws.
• They are predators that hunt goats, hares, and roe deer.
• Snow leopards prefer to live alone, but sometimes they can be found in family groups.
• The gestation period of female snow leopards is around 100 days.

How to take part

Learn more about snow leopards and share your knowledge with others. Research current issues and solutions to save the snow leopards and their habitats. Make a donation to an organization that works to protect snow leopards, or start your own collection to raise funds.

When is International Snow Leopard Day in 2024?

International Snow Leopard Day is observed on October 23 each year.

Observations