Rare Snow Leopard Spotted in Katon-Karagay National Park

A rare encounter took place in Katon-Karagay National Park, Orda.kz reports.

A camera trap captured footage of a snow leopard — a predator listed in Kazakhstan’s Red Book of endangered species.

The snow leopard, or irbis, is one of the most elusive inhabitants of the mountains. Spotting one in the wild is a rare stroke of luck, even for specialists.

Graceful yet powerful, the animal can leap up to 15 meters and easily move across steep slopes, aided by its strong legs and long tail, which helps it keep balance.

According to ecologists, the appearance of the snow leopard on camera indicates that the region’s ecosystem remains favorable for rare wildlife.

Original Author: Raushan Korzhumbekova