Global Strategies for Snow Leopard Conservation: A Synthesis

Abstract All species, but particularly broadly distributed ones like the snow leopard ( Panthera uncia ), require a strategy for successful conservation, because conservation requires cooperation, and cooperation requires strategic agreement. Good strategies articulate a vision of success, set time-bound goals, and describe why, where, and what conservation efforts are essential to meet the goals, all of which are essential for diverse parties to work together in an efficient way. Four range-wide strategies for snow leopard conservation have been published since 2000, reflecting evolving values, increased understanding, and greater engagement around conservation of this culturally significant species. Here we provide a review of these four strategies, highlighting points of convergence and divergence and ending in a strategic synthesis. Along with the greater snow leopard conservation community, we envision a world where snow leopards and their wild prey thrive in healthy mountain ecosystems across all major ecological settings and nation states of snow leopard range.