Snow leopards in Tajikistan: How many are left?

Around 500 snow leopards are estimated to live in Tajikistan, according to the country’s 2025 Red Book. Across the world, the elusive predator inhabits 12 Asian countries, but experts say there is still no reliable global population count. To mark International Snow Leopard Day, observed on October 23, several countries published estimates of their snow leopard populations. Asia-Plus compiled the available figures into an infographic showing where the animals live and how many are estimated to remain. Snow leopards are found in 12 countries, from Russia and Mongolia to India and Bhutan. China has the largest estimated population. Their range also includes Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan and Nepal.

In Tajikistan, snow leopards inhabit the Pamirs and other mountainous areas. The country has a state program for protecting the species covering 2024–2028. The IUCN Cat Specialist Group estimates the global population at between 7,400 and 8,000 animals. However, specialists stress that a reliable worldwide count has yet to be established. Why are snow leopards difficult to count? Snow leopards live in remote mountain regions, are difficult to observe and roam vast territories. As a result, population figures for individual countries are estimates rather than exact counts. The figures were collected in different years using different methods. Their publication around an international awareness day does not necessarily mean the underlying…