For the first time snow leopards
(Panthera uncia) have been photographed in Siberia. Ten camera traps were set up by researchers studying Argali sheep, the world's largest wild sheep and a favorite target of trophy hunters. Fresh scat and scrapes were found that is evidence of snow leopard presence so cameras traps were emplaced. Photos were taken in October at the Chikhachyova Ridge in the Altai Republic of Southern Russia. The NPO,
Panthera, granted $20,000 to supply the high tech cameras. Cameras also caught images of the rare Pallas' cat, a domestic cat sized feline with thick fur similar to a Persian cat. The researchers were accompanied by staff from the Arkhar and Altalsky State Biosphere Reserve. Plans are to track the snow leopards during the winter to evaluate the health and size of the population. Snow leopards like most big wild cats are threatened by habitat loss and human predation. They live mostly solitary, crepuscular lives above tree line, so sightings are truly noteworthy.
