Quick answer
IUCN lists snow leopards (Panthera uncia) as Vulnerable, downlisted from Endangered in 2017. That was a criteria call, not a finished recovery. The assessment used about 2,710–3,386 mature animals across 12 high-Asian countries. Figures checked 13 August 2026.
Are snow leopards still Endangered?
Internationally, no: IUCN moved them to Vulnerable in 2017 because they did not meet Endangered thresholds (under 2,500 mature plus a steep ongoing decline). That is not the same story as giant pandas, whose downlist followed a national census. “Listed in our guides as Vulnerable” without the 2017 date and the survey-gap caveat was the thin version of this page.
What is driving the decline?
Wild ungulates disappearing, herders killing cats that take livestock, and trade in skins and bones. Mining and roads punch holes in high pasture. Ranking those threats changes by country — a Mongolian herding camp is not a Tajik border post. A mascot does not restock ibex.
Is 2,710–3,386 an all-clear?
No. It is the lowest widely accepted mature range used in the 2017 assessment. Most of the 1.2–1.8 million km² map has never been surveyed properly. Isolated mountain blocks can empty while the global label says Vulnerable.
What actually helps?
Prey on the mountain, conflict work with herders, and corridors that still connect ridges. WARN’s habitat appeal funds partner habitat work — not a Himalayan field camp.
Is high Asia the whole map?
Yes for wild snow leopards: twelve countries from the Himalaya through the Altai. They do not live in African savanna. A zoo enclosure is not a thirteenth range state.
Why is Vulnerable not an all-clear?
Because prey collapse and revenge killing still truncate lives on ridges that have never been counted. A 2017 downlist is a distance-from-extinction label, not a promise the ghost cat was saved.
Sources
Snow Leopard FAQs
Are snow leopards endangered?
IUCN lists snow leopards (Panthera uncia) as Vulnerable, downlisted from Endangered in 2017. That was a criteria call — they did not meet the Endangered thresholds — not a panda-style census rebound. The assessment used about 2,710–3,386 mature animals. Prey loss, retaliatory killing and trade still decide local survival. Figures checked 13 August 2026.
How many snow leopards are left?
Treat 2,710–3,386 mature as the IUCN planning range, not a weekly headcount. Roughly 2% of the 12-country mountain range has been surveyed well. A camera-trap total from one valley is not Afghanistan plus Mongolia. Captive cats are a separate ledger.
Are snow leopards the same as leopards?
No. Snow leopards are their own species in high Asia. African and Asian leopards are Panthera pardus. Clouded leopards are Neofelis. Mixing the three produces the false story that a Kruger postcard protects the Himalaya. Do not map either to a tiger appeal.
What actually helps snow leopards?
Keep wild ungulates on the mountain, cut retaliatory killing, and fund in-range habitat work. World Animal Rescue Network funds habitat-protection partners. WARN does not run Himalayan snow-leopard camps.
Who this page is for.This page explains IUCN-style status. Skip it if you need an emergency wildlife-rescue number.