This video was released last week, and I don't think there are that many videos of this paticular type of leopard and the quality is pretty good, so I figure what the heck, post it here so other folks can see it. Not sure if dates on upper L are the dates the cam took the photos.
I first remember hearing of this animal while reading a book of the same name, Peter Matthiessen's The Snow Leopard The book itself I remember as being a very good read even if mystical etc. I read it in the early 90s when I lived not so far from the area Matthiessen wrote about, I was on the E side of the border of old Tibet. I had lots of time on my hands and indica grew wild along the roads. My Mandarin was poor, no other foreigners to talk to. Sometimes a good book can be a comfort.
Bought a copy to keep a few years ago, sits on the shelf, I ought to re read it.
I like animals, wild animals especially. I guess I'm as susceptible to the attraction of charismatic carnivores as anyone. If it can breed in captivity it will be around forever, cats reintroduce, easily. I'd think large dangerous plant eaters lead a more precarious existence. I sure wouldn't want to live next door to wild elephants or rhinos. Save the Saolas! People pressure, climate change, animal viewing safaris. Shrug.
Notice the long tail? Light colored camo pattern.