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conservation charity World Wildlife Fund (WWF) has warned that climate change is threatening existence of snow leopard in Himalayas. Its Snow Leopard Programme says rising temperatures are shrinking natural habitat of big cat to point that snow leopards could become extinct. In new report, charity says that up to third of mountainous areas where the leopards live could become uninhabitable. Much of flora and fauna the animals need to survive could disappear in warmer temperatures. The WWF said: "The Himalayas region will face major crisis if we choose to ignore climate change…We risk losing majestic species such as snow leopard."

It isn't just climate change that is posing serious threat to the future of snow leopard. A variety of activities from humans is also adding to dangers animals face. Snow leopards are highly sought after for their fur and body parts. More and more poachers are joining this lucrative, illegal trade and are killing the animals. The leopards are also being killed by farmers who are trying to protect their livestock. As natural prey of snow leopards is decreasing, the animals are venturing into areas inhabited by humans and killing farm animals. The result is farmers shoot the leopards. The WWF released its report on Friday, which was first International Snow Leopard Day.