Only 400 to 700 snow leopards remain in India, finds WWF-India. Therefore, the leading conservation organisation has launched a campaign, 'Save Our Snow Leopards'.

WWF-India said poaching acts as major threat for the survival of the beautiful snow leopards found in high altitudes Himalayan regions. World's best mountain climbers are poached for their pelts and their bones and other body parts are used in traditional Asian medicines.

Another threat is retaliatory killing of snow leopards. These species often attack livestock and in order to save them, retaliatory attacks are carried out on them. Snow leopards also face habitat and prey loss as percentage of human settlements increases in their territories.

Snow leopards can be found in the states of Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, Himachal Pradesh and Arunachal Pradesh.

"But with an estimated population of only 400-700 in India, there is a dire need to observe, study and develop ways to help conserve this rare and endangered species", said WWF-India.

WWF-India said it is vital to save the snow leopard as it is at the top of mountain eco-system. By saving the leopards, it is being ensured that the conservation of fragile mountain landscapes is being done. The campaign encourages one and all to come forth in support of snow leopard.