The genetic diversity of snow leopards in captivity

The snow leopard is a feline whose genetic diversity in captivity is threatened by the highly variable reproductive success of individuals. Out of 321 specimens held in zoological parks, only 107 have had offspring, which has reduced the number of founders to 56. In 2008, only three of these founders were still alive, while two other animals that have not yet reproduced could still broaden the genetic pool.