China: The Tibetan Plateau, Sanjiangyuan Region

In Qinghai, China, on the Tibetan Plateau, is the Sanjiangyuan, or "Three Rivers Region." As the headwaters of three of the world's greatest rivers, it provides water to more than a billion people downstream, and at the source it includes some of the best snow leopard habitat in China. China is vital for the long-term persistence of this species across its range, yet it is plagued by the specter of anthropogenic impact, none more imminent than increasing development, mining, and hydro projects. In the Sanjiangyuan, multistakeholder efforts among NGOs, universities, governments, and pastoralists have initiated a strong baseline of scientific and conservation work for snow leopards. However, because of significant shortcomings in biological, sociological, and political action, much effort is still needed to ensure the survival of this species. We can draw on lessons from giant panda conservation to make the charismatic, and enigmatic, snow leopard China's next conservation success.