There are at least eight snow leopards on the north face of Mt. Qomolangma, according to the population density survey of wild snow leopards in 2015. It lays an important foundation for the research of China's highland ecology system.

The Mt. Qomolangma Snow Leopard Conservation Center, the Administration Bureau of the Qomolangma reserve and the Wildlife Institute of Beijing Forestry University surveyed the population density of wild snow leopards in Dingri and Gyirong counties on the north face of the mountain from October to November of 2015. Photos of snow leopards were taken by infrared cameras placed by researchers.

Lhapa Tsering, director of ecological research office at the Administration Bureau of the Qomolangma reserve, said that currently, the initial data processing work has been completed. Researchers confirm that there are at least six adult snow leopards and two cubs in the area.

Based on the time recorded by infrared cameras, researchers contend that snow leopards may come to their prey places regularly.

“Researchers will continue to do further research on the population, prey and habitat of snow leopards as the basis for developing a protection plan for snow leopards,” said by Lhapa Tsering.

Snow leopards, one of China's Class A protected animals, are endangered animals recognized by World Conservation Union. According to the data, there are only less than 10,000 snow leopards in the world, with about 2,500 to 3,500 in China.