Today, 23 Oct, 2026 : World Snow Leopard Day

Observed annually on October 23, World Snow Leopard Day was established following the historic adoption of the Bishkek Declaration in 2013 by twelve range countries to safeguard the endangered snow leopard (Panthera uncia) and its fragile high-mountain habitats across Central and South Asia. Often referred to as the “ghosts of the mountains,” these elusive big cats serve as vital indicator species whose health and presence reflect the ecological integrity of high-altitude ecosystems that supply essential freshwater and natural resources to millions of people downstream. The observance serves as a global platform to raise awareness about the threats of poaching, habitat fragmentation, and climate change, while mobilizing international cooperation, transboundary conservation strategies, and community-led initiatives to protect both the species and its vulnerable alpine home.