Buddhist Monks Protects Snow Leopards

http://www.nbcnews.com/science/surprising-ally-protecting-snow-leopards-buddhist-monks-8C11088007
The headline is, "Surprising ally protecting snow leopards: Buddhist monks."
Why is it surprising that Buddhist monks want to protect an animal? Isn't this an extension of ashima, or nonviolence? They prevent poachers from killing these beautiful animals and educate the local people that this is a skewed practice. This is also a way the monks are able to spread Buddhist teachings with people within the area, and now the American media.
"Buddhism has as a basic tenet -- the love, respect, and compassion for all living beings," said study co-author George Schaller, a biologist with the endangered cat conservation group Panthera, in a statement. "This report illuminates how science and the spiritual values of Tibetan Buddhism can combine their visions and wisdom to help protect China's natural heritage."