Range-wide snow leopard phylogeography supports three subspecies

This study conducted the first range-wide genetic analysis of the snow leopard and proposed dividing the species into three subspecies. Using noninvasive samples collected across the snow leopard's mountainous Central and South Asian range, the authors identified three geographically structured genetic groups: a northern, a central, and a western or trans-Himalayan cluster. They argued these warrant recognition as subspecies, reversing the long-held view of the snow leopard as a monotypic species. The work has implications for conservation, since recognizing distinct units could shape transboundary management across the many countries the snow leopard inhabits. It also illustrates the use of fecal and other noninvasive samples to study an elusive high-altitude cat, and it sparked debate over whether the detected structure justifies formal subspecies status.