Protecting Snow Leopards

It's just over a year since supporters of this programme helped create a new Nature Reserve for snow leopards in Mongolia. This amazing achievement, which saw the Tost Mountains in Mongolia's South Gobi become the first ever reserve created specifically for snow leopards, is a huge step forward for the protection of the endangered snow leopard. But, the real work is only just beginning.

Now that Tost is a Nature Reserve it means new opportunities and challenges for the region. That's why, right now, we're strengthening our focus and energy on the area. 

Eco-camps for children have been  helping youngsters explore the area, teaching them about the reserve's snow leopards and ecology so that they have a better understanding of the importance of the area and a knowledge that they can take home and share. New ranger skills training also means that the team have improved their monitoring and patrolling in Tost as they maintain their vigil to protect the rare and elusive snow leopard. 

Also, within the 8,163 sq km, there are around 12 licenses for mining exploration and two active mining sites. How to address these licenses with the help of local and national government is one of the top priorities. Mining is a major concern for conservationists in this part of the world but with the help of local communities, government support and funding to maintain community programmes and lobbying we know that we can address these issues and find a sustainable balance.

As in most areas of conservation there is still much work to do, including boundary demarcation, expanded wildlife surveys and increased collaboration with the communities living in and using Tost. But, we're grateful for the success we've achieved so far and glad to have you with us to make Tost a powerful new Protected Area for one of the world's most beautiful and endangered big cats. 

Thank you to everyone who has helped us - and Mongolia's snow leopards - so far. With yor help we hope to expand these areas even futher, ensuring the long-term survival of the species.