The Snow Leopard is a very efficient hunter of herbivores ranging from large mammals to small rodents. In a finely-tuned natural balance the Snow Leopard helps to keep the population of these herbivorous mammals in check .

If the Snow Leopard becomes extinct, the herbivore population will mushroom to the extent that it will eventually wipe out all the vegetation in the area. Gradually the whole habitat will be converted over time to a cold lifeless desert which will not be able to sustain a significant wildlife population. Hundreds of unique plant species, numerous bird species including threatened waterfowl like the black-necked crane and bar-headed geese, and mammals like the ibex, urial, tahr and markhor will also become extinct.

Ultimately the existing ecosystem will perish with the Snow Leopard. This ecosystem change may also affect the overall climate of the planet.

Image Courtesy : Stock Xchng