The Snow Leopard Network (snowleopardnetwork.org), a global group dedicated to snow leopard Panthera uncia conservation, is commemorating 2 decades of accomplishments since its inception in 2002. Initiated at the Snow Leopard Survival Summit in Seattle, USA, with 58 experts from 17 countries, the Network continues to grow and to play a pivotal role in safeguarding the snow leopard in High Asia. Current membership stands at 621 individuals and 31 organizations. As new challenges and opportunities arise, collaborative and innovative solutions are more crucial than ever.
Several key milestones have shaped the Network's success. The journey began in 2000 with the initiation of the Snow Leopard Survival Strategy, one of the first comprehensive approaches to address the various threats facing snow leopards across all 12 range countries (McCarthy & Chapron, 2003, Snow Leopard Survival Strategy, International Snow Leopard Trust and Snow Leopard Network). Conservationists from across the species’ range and from elsewhere took part in a participatory process that identified threats, knowledge gaps and actions to address them, leading to the convening of the Snow Leopard Survival Summit in 2002. The Snow Leopard Network was established at this event, setting up a defined structure comprising elected members of the Snow Leopard Network Steering Committee and appointing a network Executive Director from the Snow Leopard Trust.
One of the Network's initial tasks was to create a comprehensive bibliography comprising publications in the languages of the snow leopard range states. This bibliography is still active and to date contains details of 1,569 publications. Additionally, a small grants programme was established, and this has provided financial support to 74 projects across 11 countries. This initiative continues in a modified form and drives conservation actions and research on the ground. Other early activities included developing National Action Plans and joint positional statements.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, the Network connected over 500 practitioners worldwide, organizing webinars, capacity building initiatives, and facilitating the exchange of knowledge and ideas on emerging threats. Organizations came together to lead interactive training modules and share new tools and innovations. Building on these efforts, the Network initiated Snow Leopard Reports, an open access journal, in November 2022.
As it enters its third decade, the Snow Leopard Network remains committed to its mission of protecting the snow leopard and its habitat. By fostering collaboration, the Network aims to ensure a supportive environment for snow leopard conservation.
Open access
