High in the Karakoram Mountains south of Kashgar the snow leopard is well-known for its ability to avoid detection. According to the IUCN, an international conservation commission that tracks threatened species, there are only about 2,000 to 2,500 snow leopards still roaming China. A majority of these are in Xinjiang, although the neighboring provinces of Qinghai, Tibet, and Sichuan also boast small populations.

A few organizations, working with the Chinese government of course, are dedicated to tracking these elusive animals (see list below). Using remote camera traps, tracking collars and GPS technology they hope to learn more about their movements and habits, especially in relation to humans. This information is then used to help conservationist know how to better protect the species. Unfortunately, these noble plans don’t always mesh with the needs of the local herdsmen.

The two herdsmen had noticed a few of their sheep were being attacked by wild predators and instead of changing pastures they illegally set a trap. Regrettably they happened to catch one of these endangered snow leopards and made a mistake they’ll be thinking about for the next decade.

Instead of releasing the animal they stoned it. As if that wasn’t bad enough, they then decided to skin it and sell its valuable fur and bones.

Lately the Chinese judicial system has garnered a bit of bad publicity with all of the speedy riot trials and private executions. Ten years in a Chinese prison is no picnic, but this isn’t the first time such a sentence has been handed down. In 2008 four people were sentenced to 12 years for killing snow leopards and just last month five locals were arrested for killing two more.

What do you think? Is 10 years fair? Should conservation efforts like this receive more publicity?