Snow Leopard Conservancy

What Snow Leopard Conservancy does

Snow Leopard Conservancy (SLC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2000 by Dr. Rodney Jackson and Darla Hillard, headquartered at 209 Mississippi Street, San Francisco, California. The organization conserves the endangered snow leopard across the high mountains of Asia through community-led programs delivered in partnership with 27+ field organizations in five of the species' twelve range countries: Nepal, India, Pakistan, Bhutan, Mongolia, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan. Its core programmatic products include predator-proof corrals, Himalayan Homestays (community-based ecotourism), Foxlights solar predator deterrents, the One Health-One Welfare veterinary initiative, and the Snow Leopard Scouts youth education program.

SLC's technology stack centers on non-invasive wildlife monitoring: it pioneered VHF radio collar and camera trap methodology for wild snow leopards in the 1980s, co-developed the Snow Leopard Information Management System (SLIMS) standardizing field surveys across all twelve range countries, contributed to the first noninvasive range-wide genetic analysis delineating three subspecies, and partners on AI-powered camera trap image analysis deployed in Pakistan. The Land of Snow Leopard Network, formed in 2015, integrates Indigenous Traditional Ecological Knowledge with Western conservation science across 100+ members in Central and Inner Asia.

The organization's revenue model is diversified across individual donations, symbolic adoption packages priced $50-$500, merchandise sales ($15-$20 t-shirts, plush toys, collectibles), legacy and planned giving, ecotourism expeditions operated through KarmaQuest in Ladakh, Bhutan, and Nepal, and institutional grants including UK Darwin Initiative funding (2018-2025). Donor acquisition is increasingly driven by the Snow Leopard Sisters documentary campaign (2026), executive produced by Leonardo DiCaprio's Appian Way, with a $600,000 targeted impact fund. Certification and transparency standards include GuideStar Platinum Seal, 501(c)(3) status (EIN#61-1614981), and PCI-compliant payment processing.

Name

Snow Leopard Conservancy

Legal name

Snow Leopard Conservancy

Website

https://snowleopardconservancy.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2000

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Snow Leopard Conservancy is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that conserves endangered snow leopards across Asia's high mountains through community-led programs (predator-proof corrals, ecotourism, veterinary care, education) delivered with 27+ field partners in five range countries, funded by donations, adoptions, and grants.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Wildlife Conservation Services

NAICS

Environment, Conservation and Wildlife Organizations (813312)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Wildlife Conservation & Species Protection (BPAGAGAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Conservation & Human–Wildlife Conflict Mitigation (BPAGAIAI), Wildlife Rescue, Rehabilitation & Release (BPAGAIAC), Foster & Volunteer Network Programs (BPAGAIAF)

Keywords

• Wildlife conservation nonprofit
• Snow leopard protection
• Community-based conservation
• Human-wildlife conflict mitigation
• Predator-proof corrals

Headquarters

HQ city

San Francisco

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Others

Revenue model

1. Donations and Charitable Contributions: Tax-deductible donations made by individuals, foundations, and organizations to support snow leopard conservation programs. Includes direct appeals, email campaigns, and fundraising events.
2. Adoption Packages: Symbolic snow leopard adoptions sold at various price points ($50-$500) including personalized certificates, photographs, plush toys, and educational materials. Digital/emailed versions available at discounted rates.
3. Merchandise Sales: Online store selling apparel, plush toys, books, notecards, jewelry, and collectibles. T-shirts available from $15-$20.
4. Ecotourism Expeditions: Partnership revenue from snow leopard tracking trips and expeditions in Ladakh, Bhutan, and Nepal, operated through KarmaQuest Ecotourism.
5. Legacy Gifts and Planned Giving: Bequests through wills, stocks, retirement plans, life insurance policies, trusts, and donor-advised funds.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Snow Leopard Conservancy implements community-led field programs that reduce human-wildlife conflict and protect wild snow leopards across their high-mountain Asian habitat. Core programs include Predator-Proof Corrals, Himalayan Homestays ecotourism, Snow Leopard Scouts youth education, Foxlights solar predator deterrents, and the One Health-One Welfare veterinary initiative, complemented by donor-engagement offerings such as Adoption Packages, an online merchandise store, Snow Leopard Quests expeditions, and the Snow Leopard Sisters documentary campaign.

Product overview

Snow Leopard Conservancy operates as a nonprofit conservation organization offering a portfolio of community-led programs and field initiatives rather than a unified software product. The core offerings include Predator-Proof Corrals, Himalayan Homestays, Snow Leopard Scouts education program, Foxlights (solar predator deterrents), and the One Health-One Welfare initiative. These programs are complemented by advocacy tools including the Snow Leopard Sisters documentary, Snow Leopard Magazine publication, Art & Poetry Contests, and Adoption Packages for donor engagement. The organization also operates an Online Store for merchandise and organizes Snow Leopard Quest expeditions for ecotourism. The Land of Snow Leopard Network provides the overarching collaborative framework connecting Indigenous knowledge with Western science across Central Asia.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Adoption Packages (Snow Leopard Adoption) Symbolic snow leopard adoption program offering personalized certificates, 8x10 photographs of wild snow leopards, plush toys, magnets, porcelain figurines, educational materials, and window decals at price tiers from $50 to $500 with discounted emailed versions available.
• Online Store (Snow Leopard Apparel, Plush, Books, and Collectibles) E-commerce storefront selling 100% cotton T-shirts (sizes S $15 to XL $20), plush toys, books, notecards, jewelry, and collectibles to support snow leopard conservation funding.
• Snow Leopard Quests (Ecotourism Expeditions) Responsible ecotourism expeditions operated through partner KarmaQuest that take travelers to snow leopard habitat in Ladakh (India), Bhutan, and Nepal for guided snow leopard tracking, including Winter Quest, Summer Quest, Mountain Festival Trek, and Snow Leopard Trail options.
• Himalayan Homestays Community-run homestay accommodations in Trans-Himalayan regions of Ladakh, Spiti, and other snow leopard habitat areas that convert snow leopards from livestock competitors into tourism assets for local families.
• Snow Leopard Sisters Documentary Campaign Feature documentary and impact campaign with targeted project funding tiers ($30,000 per predator-proof corral, $1,000 per conservationist, $125 per Foxlight) supporting conservation in Dolpo, Nepal.

Quantifiable outcome

• 11 snow leopards forgiven by communities and released back into habitat in Tajikistan (2015-2019)
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration3 records

AI capability4 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

29 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.

• Leonardo DiCaprio's Appian WayflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 April 2026Appian Way has signed on as Executive Producer for the Snow Leopard Sisters documentary, significantly amplifying the film's global reach and impact. The partnership brings celebrity backing and major production expertise to snow leopard conservation awareness efforts.
• Land of Snow Leopard NetworkflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerMultinational collaboration spanning Central and Inner Asia including Pamirs (Tajikistan), Tien Shan (Kyrgyzstan), and Altai/Sayan Ranges (Mongolia/Russia). Network rooted in indigenous understanding of snow leopard's sacred, cultural, and environmental significance with 100+ members.
• Darwin InitiativecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUK government funding program supporting snow leopard and biodiversity conservation in Nepal's Annapurna Conservation Area. Integrates local government and community conservation efforts, fostering inter-municipal collaboration and supporting herder cooperatives.
• Animal NepalcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOHOW (One Health - One Welfare) initiative partner providing veterinary care, education, and training in Nepal's Manang District. Organized vaccination clinics for feral dogs and equines to reduce zoonotic disease transmission.
• International Veterinary OutreachcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOHOW initiative partner envisioning a world free of animal suffering where communities connected with animals thrive. Provides veterinary expertise and training for high mountain communities.
• Wildlife Conservation NetworkcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUmbrella organization under which Snow Leopard Conservancy operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Provides organizational infrastructure and support.
• KarmaQuest Ecotourism and Adventure TravelcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartner operator for snow leopard tracking expeditions including Winter Quest (Ladakh), Summer Quest, Bhutan Mountain Festival Trek, and Nepal Snow Leopard Trail. Clients have seen snow leopards on every Winter Quest since 2005.
• Baltistan Wildlife Conservation and Development Organization (BWCDO)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner working in Gilgit Baltistan, Pakistan for snow leopard conservation. Conducts camera trapping, predator-proof corral repairs, conservation education in schools, livestock vaccinations, and community outreach events including World Wildlife Day and International Snow Leopard Day.
• Mountain SpiritcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal partner in Nepal leading 'Building Snow Leopard Friendly Communities' project. Co-develops conservation solutions with herders, mother's groups, and municipality leaders through predator-proofing tools and livelihood improvements.
• Teka Samuha Nepal (TSN)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner leading Snow Leopard Scouts program and conservation education initiative in Nepal. Reached nearly 600 students in 12 schools in 2025, conducted teacher training, and advocates for curriculum adoption.
• Snow Leopard JourneycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner led by Tshiring Lhamu Lama featuring in Snow Leopard Sisters documentary. Leads 'Empowering the Guardians of Dolpo' project to protect snow leopards and prevent retaliatory killings in Dolpo, Nepal.
• Nomadic Nature ConservationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner led by Tungalagtuya Khuukhenduu cultivating conservation-minded Mongolian youth through award-winning Nomadic Nature Trunks program in Ulaanbaatar's urban schools.
• Wildlife InitiativecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner leading 'Lights for Life' project protecting snow leopards in Mongolia's Sutai corridor through Foxlights, camera trapping, education, and conflict mitigation with herders as co-researchers.
• Rural Development FundcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in Kyrgyzstan leading 'Kyrgyz El Akyl Kazyna Elders and Youth' project preserving cultural heritage and teaching Kyrgyz youth traditional knowledge and cultural values for snow leopard protection.
• Project UKALIcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner led by Rinzin Phunjok Lama strengthening community-led biodiversity conservation in the Upper Karnali landscape in Nepal.
• Irbis MongoliacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner led by Dr. Bariushaa Munkhtsog hosting World Snow Leopard Day Festival for children and communities in Hovd province, Mongolia.
• Duquesne UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerResearch partner with Dr. Jan Janečka focusing on conservation genetics and genomics of snow leopards, landscape genetics, and camera trap monitoring. Conducted first noninvasive range-wide genetic analysis delineating three snow leopard subspecies.
• Global Snow Leopard and Ecosystem Protection ProgramcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGlobal alliance of all 12 snow leopard range countries working to save snow leopards and mountain ecosystems. By 2024, 24 landscapes identified representing 28% of snow leopard range.
• Snow Leopard NetworkcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWorldwide organization dedicated to facilitating exchange of information and insights for snow leopard conservation. Dr. Charlotte Hacker provides training module and webinar support.
• Department of National Parks & Wildlife Conservation (Nepal)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGovernment partner conserving wildlife and outstanding landscapes of ecological importance for well-being of people in Nepal.
• National Trust for Nature Conservation (Nepal)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner implementing the Annapurna Conservation Area Project, a protected area established in 1986, in collaboration with SLC's Darwin Initiative project.
• Snow Leopard Conservancy India TrustcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSister organization working in Trans-Himalayan regions of Ladakh and Spiti for snow leopard conservation. Named finalist in National Geographic Geotourism Challenge and Ashoka Changemakers for Himalayan Homestays.
• WWF MongoliaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerConservation partner in Mongolia working to conserve and sustainably manage ecosystems, species, and habitats.
• Mongolian Academy of ScienceminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAutonomous self-governing body for development and promotion of sciences in Mongolia, supporting research collaboration.
• Worldwide Indigenous Science NetworkcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNetwork creating places for ethical collaboration between Indigenous and Western ways of knowing, supporting Land of Snow Leopard Network initiatives.
• Pallas's Cat International Conservation AllianceminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGlobal alliance advancing conservation of Pallas's cat through research, capacity building, awareness and strategies. Co-led by Executive Director Ashleigh Lutz-Nelson.
• Rocky Mountain Cat ConservancyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNonprofit dedicated to wild cat conservation through research, education, and community stewardship.
• Manul Working GroupminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGlobal specialist network for study and conservation of Pallas's cat (Manul) in wild and captivity.
• IUCN Cat Specialist GroupcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGlobal group responsible for monitoring and conservation of all wild cat species. Dr. Rodney Jackson served on IUCN Cat Specialist Core Group.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Snow Leopard Trust: The largest and most established snow leopard-focused nonprofit, founded 1981. Operates long-term field programs in five range countries with direct overlap to SLC's mission, partner countries, and donor audience.
• Panthera: Global wild cat conservation organization working across all 40 wild cat species including snow leopards. Directly comparable in science-driven, partner-led conservation model and corporate/individual donor base.
• Wildlife Conservation Network: Umbrella nonprofit under which SLC operates as a 501(c)(3) partner; incubates and provides back-office support to species-focused conservation organizations with a shared "Wildlife Conservation Network" branding and donor ecosystem.
• Snow Leopard Foundation (Pakistan): Pakistan-focused snow leopard conservation nonprofit working in Gilgit Baltistan — the same region where SLC partner BWCDO operates. Direct overlap in country footprint, conflict-mitigation toolkit, and research methods.

Broad incumbents

• WWF (World Wildlife Fund): Global conservation incumbent working across virtually all snow leopard range countries, including through WWF Mongolia and WWF International. Comparable in range country footprint and species-focused giving, but vastly larger and broader in mission.
• Fauna & Flora International: One of the world's oldest conservation organizations with programs across Asia including snow leopard range countries. Comparable species-and-habitat conservation mission and partner-driven delivery model.
• International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW): Major international animal welfare and wildlife conservation nonprofit with comparable individual donor fundraising infrastructure, large-scale campaigns, and global species-protection programs.

Regional players

• The Mountain Institute: Conservation and sustainable development nonprofit working in the world's highest mountain communities; Brian Peniston, SLC's Co-Principal Investigator, previously served 17 years as Mountain Institute Himalaya Program Regional Director. Direct operational and personnel overlap.

Others

• National Geographic Society: Media and exploration nonprofit that has been a long-time partner and amplifier of SLC's work, including the 1986 cover story and the 2008 Geotourism Challenge; comparable as a science-and-storytelling conservation brand.

Emerging players

• Snow Leopard Conservancy India Trust: Sister organization working in India's Trans-Himalayan Ladakh and Spiti regions; a finalist in the National Geographic Geotourism Challenge and Ashoka Changemakers for the Himalayan Homestays program. Closely aligned mission and programmatic toolkit.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UC_J-2WapfXYeebTZ8QhcetQ
• Facebookfacebook.com/SnowLeopardConservancy
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/snow-leopard-conservancy
• Instagraminstagram.com/snowleopardconservancy
• Xx.com/snowleopardcons

Compliance4 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles22 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Snow Leopard Conservancy