Although its broad geographical range and charismatic appeal make the leopard one of the most potent mammalian ambassador species, it is experiencing a greater range loss than most other large terrestrial carnivores. In Asia, leopard subspecies currently occur in only 16% of their historical range, mainly in mountainous landscapes.

With about 25% of all land area, mountain regions are home to more than 85% of the world’s species. Asia’s high mountains form the headwaters of river systems that provide fresh water for nearly one-third of the world’s population. With ongoing global changes in climate and land use, the role of mountains as refugia for biodiversity may well come under threat.

The majority of the remaining leopard montane range is in Asia’s borderlands, and thus in most countries conservation of leopards is dependent on trans-boundary collaboration. Nonetheless, leopards’ scattered range and fragile number across multiple jurisdictions will result in additional susceptibility due to dynamic changes in domestic policies and international relations.

In this discussion hosted by the Oxford Martin School, Dr Mohammad Farhadinia will explore the critical role of mountains for biodiversity conservation amidst international political concerns.

"Leopards, mountains and politics" with Mohammad Farhadinia