First Documentation of Snow Leopard ( Panthera uncia ) Presence in the Core Area of Mt. Siguniang National Nature Reserve, China

Researchers have documented the first confirmed presence of snow leopards (Panthera uncia) within the core area of Mt. Siguniang National Nature Reserve, China, a critical but understudied region at the southeastern edge of the species' global range. Over a 20-month period from November 2022 to August 2024, camera traps captured 33 independent detections across five high-altitude sites, primarily above 4500 meters, revealing four unique adult individuals. This finding marks a significant milestone in snow leopard conservation, as systematic monitoring has been notably absent in the reserve. The study highlights the need for expanded research to quantify population dynamics and assess connectivity with adjacent mountain systems, which could inform broader conservation strategies for this vulnerable flagship species.

Wang, D., Chen, J., Yang, H., Luo, W., Li, B., Ai, L., & Xie, Q. (2025). First Documentation of Snow Leopard ( Panthera uncia ) Presence in the Core Area of Mt. Siguniang National Nature Reserve, China. Integrative Conservation, 4(3), 272–276. Portico. https://doi.org/10.1002/inc3.70041