Wednesday, August 20, 2003,

Poachers illegally trading animal skins in the Central Asian region and Afghanistan are taking a toll on the endangered snow leopard, Integrated Regional Information Networks reported Monday, citing a study by the conservation group TRAFFIC.

The report, Fading Footprints: The Killing and Trade of Snow Leopards, marks the first worldwide study of its kind, according to the report's author, Stephanie Theile.

"Based on the findings of the TRAFFIC report, dramatic declines have occurred, especially in regions where snow leopards are primarily killed for trade (Central Asia and Russia)," Theile said.

Snow leopards live in the highlands of Central Asia and the Himalayan region, including Pakistan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan. Recent estimates suggest that between 4,000 and 7,000 snow leopards remain in nature, where they risk falling victim to illegal hunting.

"Regional poverty, combined with insufficient enforcement of the existing regulations and a lack of effective conservation strategies, is the driving force behind the plight of the snow leopard," said Theile.

According to Theile, Kabul, Afghanistan, is a major market for illegal snow leopard skins because of the high number of foreigners living there.

"Foreign visitors such as tourists, military personnel or foreign aid workers are reported to buy snow leopard parts when visiting local markets in the range states, and hence contribute for the illegal killings," Theile said.

The report said a lack of awareness about the snow leopard's endangered status and lax enforcement of conservation measures fuels the pelt trade in Pakistan, where a snow leopard skin sells for up to $400.

"TRAFFIC hopes that the findings of the report will reach decision-makers in the snow leopard's range states and will result in clear commitment and concrete actions by governments to increase efforts to conserve this unique cat," Theile said (IRIN, Aug. 18).

Copyright, National Journal Group, Year 2003 . http://www.unwire.org/UNWire/