Researchers with the CAS Cold and Arid Region Environmental and Engineering Research Institute shot pictures of a snow leopard during their recent glacier survey at the grassland abou 5,100 meters above the sea level on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. The pictures are precious because they are first images of the endangered animals in the region.
The snow leopard (Uncia uncia) is a rare and endangered species of large feline. Although sharing its name with the common leopard, it is not believed to be closely related to the leopard or the other members of the Pantherine group and is classified as the sole member of its genus. Its total number in the world is generally estimated at 3,500. It is believed that China is home to more snow leopards than any of the other 11 countries in which they are found, such as Afghanistan, India, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Kazakstan, Kyrgyzstan and Mongolia. In China, the snow leopard populations are mainly distributed in Xinjiang, accounting for one fourth of the world total. Although people know the big cat also survive on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, until recently, no report has been made on their existence in high-altitude areas of the Plateau.
According to Dr. XIE Changwei, leader of the glacier exploration team, the researchers saw the snow leopard on their way back home after finishing their studies near the Palong Lake in the Gangdis Mountains. The researchers were overjoyed and took about 30 picutres of the animal from various angles and made about a 1 minute video.
Experts say that the finding is of significance for studying the distribution of the snow leopards in China.
