The elusive snow leopard inhabits the cold, rugged mountains of Central and South Asia. These apex predators are vital to their ecosystem but face threats from poaching and habitat loss.

Protected areas like the Hemis National Park in India and Sarychat-Ertash Reserve in Kyrgyzstan provide safe havens for these magnificent cats. Conservationists use camera traps and satellite tracking to monitor populations, while community-based programs reduce human-leopard conflict and promote coexistence.