Characterizing genomic diversity in snow leopards
Here, we generate whole genome sequencing data for 34 wild snow leopards from multiple locations across their range in addition to four captive snow leopards. We use this dataset to shed light on two outstanding questions: 1) how connected are snow leopard populations across their range and 2) what was the historic population size of snow leopards and how is this reflected in their current levels of genetic diversity. We also compare the genetic diversity of snow leopards to that of the other big cats.