Until now it was believed that the snow leopard ( Panthera uncia ) was a monotypic species. However, an investigation published in The Journal of Heredity has revealed the existence of up to three subspecies of this carnivorous animal that is in danger of extinction.
The study of the traces of snow leopard or irbis has resulted in three primary genetic clusters (or gene family), differentiated by geographical location : the Northern group, Panthera uncia irbis , found in the Altai region, the group Central, Panthera uncia uncioides , Plateau, and the western group, Panthera uncia uncia , found in the Tian Shan, Pamir, and trans-Himalayan regions. This is the first genetic analysis of the full range of snow leopard populations in the wild.
The snow leopard inhabits a very large area of about 1.6 million km2 in 12 countries in Asia. Because it is a specialist in high altitudes (it inhabits mountains 3,000 meters high), its environment makes it difficult to track. They are also animals that are difficult to observe and catch in the wild.
These areas of low oxygen levels, extreme temperatures and harsh climatic conditions make the snow leopard the undisputed largest carnivore in its habitat.
Genetic sampling through collection from wildlife trails and cat tagging sites is a non-invasive and effective way to examine snow leopard populations.
The patterns of variation between the three subspecies of snow leopard suggest a “barrier effect” due to the exceptional characteristics of the terrain : the northern subspecies is isolated by the basins of the Gobi desert and the central and western species are divided by the mountain range. of the Transhimalaya.
“This study is important as it provides the first insight into how snow leopard populations are structured and connected. Simply put, populations that are connected to other populations are more stable and have a greater chance of survival. It offers two main advantages: the first is a better understanding of the evolution and ecology of the species, and the second is that it allows for more flexible conservation measures. There is an urgent need for transboundary initiatives to protect this species, and other wildlife in Asia. ” , clarifies Jan E. Janecka, study leader.
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