Posted on April, 06 2017

Snow leopard is the top predator and meant to be in small numbers as compared to much larger number of their prey species. Therefore, the snow leopards do not give birth every year, but every two years only. However, not every cub survives. This time, five cubs have died within the span of four months, e.g. November, December 2016 and January, February 2017. Researchers have documented death of these cubs as follows: 
First incident
A local herder in Duut soum of Khovd province, Altai-Sayan Mongolia part, has reported on two snow leopard cubs found dead at the same place in November 2016. Carcasses were brought to the provincial veterinary clinic for analysis, however no signs of disease were detected. After thorough analysis of cubs’ general state, food residual in their stomach and circumstances they were found in, the experts came into conclusion that cubs might have died from starvation. But why would they have starved to death? Six-month old cub is not able yet to hunt and find food on its own. There is a high probability that the mother who is supposed to feed and protect their cubs would have died.  
Second incident
One cub found dead in November 2016 in the territory of Darvi soum of Khovd province. The reason was that the cub was attacked by domestic dog because of the attempt to prey on livestock, as reported by the locals.
Third incident
On 5th January 2017, herders have spotted a snow leopard individual with hunting trap on in the Nariin valley of the Jargalantkhairkhan Mountain. The trapped snow leopard fled from herders to the rocks. Approaching closer, it happened to be a cub. In eight days, trapped cub has appeared once again and was never seen afterwards. Then, on 27th January the cub was found dead, as reported by a herder from Mankhan soum. As inspected, the front leg had fallen off because of the hunting trap injury.  
Forth incident
In the morning of 27th February, a herder called to report on dead cub in the Jargalantkhairkhan Mountain. Upon request, the herder had brought the cub’s carcass into the rock cave to hide. We visited the cave afterwards with the herder, however the carcass was not found in the place it was brought in. According to the herder, the carcass was well hidden under the rocks and stone piles, however it was removed. Who could have removed the carcass? There was only one household in the vicinities. The herder was the only person who knew the place. Even his family members were not aware of this incident. After careful inspection of the place, it was observed that a snow leopard had visited the cave. Footprints were clear of a snow leopard that jumped down from that cave. It is evident that the snow leopard took the cub’s carcass. Why it could have taken cub’s carcass? The question remains unanswered. 
Reports from the local herders who understand well and support WWF’s conservation work helped us to identify death incidents of five snow leopard cubs within the span of four months.