"Hundreds of snow leopards are killed illegally every year in remote mountains from China to Tajikistan, further endangering the big cats that number only a few thousand in the wild, a report said on Friday.

Prices ranged up to $10,000 for the carcasses, prized for thick light-colored fur with dark spots, according to the study by TRAFFIC, an international network which monitors wildlife trade.

An estimated 221 to 450 snow leopards were killed annually since 2008 despite bans in 12 Asian nations where they live, it said. TRAFFIC said there were many uncertainties because the leopards live in inaccessible regions including the Himalayas."

Alister Doyle reports for Reuters October 21, 2016. [2]