International Snow Leopard Trust.

Since the creation of the Snow Leopard Species Survival Plan (SSP) and the International Snow Leopard Trust (ISLT), Woodland Park Zoological Gardens in Seattle has been integral to the snow leopard's survival. To further their commitment to this endangered species, The Woodland Park Zoological Society recently announced two challenge grants to be given to the Trust.

These grants could not have arrived at a better time. ISLT is already involved in starting and supporting conservation and research projects in 12 countries in the snow leopard's natural habitat--central Asia. With the current economic and political instability in this region, increased hunting is occurring for the animal's pelts and for traditional medicine. This places even more stress on the wild population.

There are an estimated 4,500 to 7,000 snow leopards remaining in the wild. The snow leopard is a keystone species in its native mountain habitat and to conserve this secretive cat, ISLT must deal with the ecosystem as a whole, especially the humans in the region.

Over the past 20 years, the SSP has managed a captive population of 244 and is proud of the genetically diverse population now found in zoos. A major achievement for the SSP was the birth of three snow leopards at Woodland Park in May 2000. ISLT provides a vital link between displaying snow leopards in zoos and conserving them in the wild.