The number of snow leopards in the Spiti Valley remains unknown.In fact, despite the determined efforts of many scientists, counting them is practically impossible.
Snow leopard are found in the mountains of Central Asia. The rugged, inaccessible terrain and cold climate make it difficult to study the species. Less than 2 % of their range has been fully surveyed. Estimates vary from 3,500 to 7000 remaining cats.
Snow Leopards' survival is closely tied to their cold, harsh habitat, and the availability of ibex, blue sheep, and other wild prey. When prey are displaced by domestic animals such as yaks and horses the cats can turn to hunting livestock. Up to 450 of the cats are believed to be killed annually, mostly by herders and by poachers for their skin.