Between 87 and 100 snow leopards (irbis) may inhabit Russia's high-mountain regions, according to Ali Uzdenov, chairman of the board of trustees of the Interregional Association "Center for the Study and Conservation of the Snow Leopard 'Irbis'," in an interview with RIA Novosti.

According to the expert, an accurate population census is difficult due to the animal's behavioral characteristics. "It's safe to say that at least 87 individuals of this rare feline species live in Russia, but since it's impossible to count every snow leopard, scientists estimate the population could be as high as 90-100 individuals," he noted.

Uzdenov also pointed out the insufficient study of the species' habitat globally: to date, no more than 14% of the territories where snow leopards are found have been surveyed.

It was previously reported that Russia plans to increase the snow leopard population to 150 individuals by 2030.