Snow leopards no longer endangered for first time in 45 years
Snow leopards are no longer considered an endangered species, according to IUCN which has reclassified the animal for the first time in 45 years.
The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has moved the species into the less urgent “vulnerable” category – though it remains at risk from a reduction in numbers of its prey and poaching for its fur and bones.
To be considered endangered there must be fewer than 2,500 mature adult snow leopards in the wild, but experts now believe their true number may be around 4,000 with some saying it could be as high as 10,000.
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The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has moved the species into the less urgent “vulnerable” category – though it remains at risk from a reduction in numbers of its prey and poaching for its fur and bones.
To be considered endangered there must be fewer than 2,500 mature adult snow leopards in the wild, but experts now believe their true number may be around 4,000 with some saying it could be as high as 10,000.
click here to download