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 Snow Leopard
 * Scientific Name: Uncia Uncia
 * The Snow Leopard is a carnivorous animal whose diet consists mainly of blue sheep, mountain ibex, and sometimes smaller animals like hares and marmots. They also are opportunistic and will eat carrion and livestock when forced to.
 * Typically found in the mountains of Central Asia, these felines are considered endangered.
 * The main cause of decline would be poaching, as their pelts have been known to fetch a high price on the black market. Other, more minor causes consist of vanishing habitat and scarcity of prey; as well as the fact that some of their parts are used in traditional Asian Medicine.
 * There are an estimated 3,500 - 7,000 left in the wild according to [|Defenders of Wildlife]; as well as 600 - 700 in captivity worldwide.
 * These animals have experienced a dramatic decline, but hopefully, with some help and protection, can flourish once again.
 * Ever since poaching has become popular the Snow Leopard has been hunted for its pelt and body parts.
 * In 1974 the Snow Leopard was listed as an endangered species on the IUCN Red List, so the Snow Leopard has been an endangered species for around 35 years. Then, in 1978 the first International Snow Leopard Symposium was held in Helsinki, Finland. In 1984 the Snow Leopard species survival plan was introduced. Much has been done to preserve the beautiful Snow Leopard, and in 1990 the number of countries in which Snow Leopards occured in the wild increased by 50%, according to the Snow Leopard Trust. In 2008 the 10th International Snow Leopard Conference was held.
 * The three main conservation efforts for Snow Leopards are the [|Snow Leopard Network], the [|Snow Leopard Trust] , and the [|Snow Leopard Conservancy] . Every year or so an International Snow Leopard Conference is organized to forward conservation efforts. The organizations mentioned and many others work together to preserve this endangered species.