
THE MOST CAMERA-FRIENDLY SNOW LEOPARD OF 2021 CHOSEN AS A RESULT OF EXPEDITION OF SAILYUGEM NATIONAL PARK AND WWF RUSSIA
Such is the conclusion reached by the participants of a recent expedition. According to the staff of Sailyugem National Park, a total of 7 snow leopards live on the Yuzhno-Chuisky range, with no more than 12-14 individuals within the boundaries of Sailyugem National Park. In all of Russia in 2020, 65 snow leopards were registered.
The work to preserve the snow leopard on the Yuzhno-Chuisky range is carried out by employees of Sailyugem National Park with the support of WWF Russia and the World Around You Foundation of Siberian Wellness Corporation.
As a rule, cameras are installed in places where experts find snow leopards' scent marks or scrapes, therefore, on videos and photos available to scientists the animals are often seen marking the territory. In a new video with T01, taken during the expedition of the national park and WWF Russia, the snow leopard, on the contrary, is gracefully lying as if posing for the camera. In all his glory, he is perched on top of a cliff; below, there is a mountain valley and a river. The snow leopard is lying on the ridge and licking himself. Perhaps he is resting after a hearty lunch or sprucing himself up and cleaning his fur. The video was filmed in bright daylight, which is already unique. Snow leopards are active at night, and most of the automatic camera videos were filmed in the dark, which is often enough for scientists, but makes it difficult to admire the beauty of the animals. The video also clearly shows the snow leopard's luxurious tail, which can be as long as the body and serves as a rudder when snow leopards jump on rocks.
It is impossible to establish the sex of the animal, but scientists suggest that T01 is a young dominant male actively exploring the territory.
T01 CONTEMPLATING THE SURROUNDINGS.
The expedition to the Yuzhno-Chuisky range was held to find new snow leopard habitats in Altai at the initiative of the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and Sailyugem National Park with the support of the World Around You Foundation and participation of local residents.
Camera traps have also registered other well-known snow leopards: a male named Khan, snow leopards with code names T02, T03 and T04, as well as a female, previously unknown to researchers, with two cubs.