Endangered Snow Leopard Calls Out To Mark Territory In 'Extremely Rare' Video

Rare footage has been captured of an endangered snow leopard calling out to females in the wild:

The video was released by The White Lion Foundation (TWLF) after the snow leopard walked past the remote specialist field cameras in the Karakoram Mountains in northern Pakistan.

The big cat climbs down on to the rocks, having a good smell around before roaring/calling around 11 times and then wandering away on to the snow.

The high definition cameras are being used for important scientific research, to track and monitor the wild snow leopard population in the region.

Dr John Knight from TWLF said in a press release: "It is extremely unusual and special to be able to get such clear footage of a snow leopard vocalising in the wild, as they are by nature elusive and solitary, only coming together to mate and raise young.

"The adult male is exercising his vocal calls to establish territory and to let females know he is in the area."

TWLF/BWCDO

TWLF's Director Shirley Galligan added: "In these challenging times, it lifts our collective spirits to see such unique and wonderful footage of the forever-beautiful snow leopard.

"Our charity is working very hard to make sure these exquisite creatures are able to continue living in freedom, in the Karakoram mountains for many generations to come."

TWLF/BWCDO

The White Lion Foundation is working in partnership with Baltistan Wildlife Conservation and Development Organisation (BWCDO), who posted the video on Facebook with the caption: "These are tough times for sure but not as tough as it is for snow leopards to find a mate through urinating and screaming."

In response to their post, one person wrote: "Wildlife is an important part of our environment. They should be conserved and protected from all diseases and government should completely ban the illegal hunting of these rare mammals. I hope that the snow leopard will find his partner soon."

Another added: "Wow snow leopard roaring. Lovely," while a third commented: "Absolutely beautiful video capture love it".

The two organisations are working alongside local villages in the area to help protect and conserve the snow leopard which is one of the world's most endangered big cats.

According to the Independent, there are an estimated 4,000 to 7,500 left in the wild, and over the last decade an average of one a day is believe to have been killed.

Topics: Environment, News, Animals

Rebecca Shepherd

I'm Becky - a journalist at LADbible. I graduated with a First Class BA in Journalism before going on to cover criminal court cases, medical tribunals and breaking news for the national media - which inevitably and eventually became as glum as it sounds. Can often be found rocking a bag for life - which I made a 'thing' way before Rihanna. You can contact me at [email protected]

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