On 23 October, the world celebrated the international day of the snow leopard (IRBIS).  The habitat of the snow leopard extends to 12 countries. For the population of Central Asia and the Tibetan plateau IRBIS is not just a beautiful animal, but also a symbol of cultural and natural heritage, spiritual wealth. Why do we celebrate this day on October 23? The fact is that on October 23, 2013, political leaders from 12 countries gathered together to approve the Bishkek Declaration on the conservation of the snow leopard. Kyrgyz President Almazbek Atambayev hosted the leaders of Afghanistan, Bhutan, China, India, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Nepal, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan at The global snow leopard forum. The event was held in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan, so the Declaration got its name.

The day also saw the launch of a comprehensive global programme for the protection of the snow leopard and mountain ecosystems. The day of adoption of the Declaration was also declared the International day of the snow leopard.

Global programme for the protection of the snow leopard and ecosystems 

 The countries in which this unique animal lives have agreed to work together to identify and protect at least 23 natural snow leopard habitats by 2020. These efforts are not only undertaken by Central Asian countries, but are also supported by a number of international and national organizations, such as the world wildlife Fund (WWF), the United Nations and the global tiger society. The habitat of the snow leopard is defined as ecologically vulnerable zones. Each of them is home to at least 100 Mature snow leopards, as well as a sufficient number of animals they hunt.

Why in General there was a need to rescue snow leopards? The fact is that at present the number of these animals has been greatly reduced. This resulted in the imbalance of the entire mountain ecosystem, as the leopards play an important role in maintaining the biological balance. Scientists call these animals amazing and even strange. The snow leopard is elusive and secretive, it was very difficult to watch. In some regions of the habitat for leopards were considered to be completely extinct, as for several years biologists have not been able to find is not something that a live specimen, and even traces. But as time passed-and the leopards found themselves again. Modern techniques such as GPS collars and photo traps allow you to learn more about the life of this amazing beast. But there are still more questions than answers. 

Behavior the snow leopard is very peculiar, in that it is very different from fellows. Some things he does, like a large predator, and some – like a domestic cat. Leopards are powerful hunters, they tear apart the prey with fangs like lions. But the dinner sit down exactly like Pets. They can't roar, but when happy, purr. Leopards are not afraid of water, jump perfectly and climb the rocks.

Snow leopard hunting is prohibited all year round. There are no exceptions in any of the countries of its habitat does not exist. The fight against illegal hunting is the strictest. But according to experts, the main threat to the snow leopard is not poachers, but global climate change. According to their calculations, by 2050 the area of natural habitats will be reduced by another quarter.

Photo: https://share.america.gov/ru/23-октября-международный-день-снежно/
Source: http://fb.ru/news/holidays/2018/10/23/31941