Searching for the Snow Leopard: Guardian of the High Mountains

Description

A stunning visual and personal journey in search of the iconic big cat, the snow leopard. The snow leopard, known as the ghost of the mountains, is an elusive predator that has captured the human imagination for eons. Yet, by nature secretive, living at altitudes of up to 19,000 feet in one of the world's harshest environments, it is notoriously difficult to see. Those lucky enough to encounter one speak of the experience as momentous, transformative, even spiritual. In this handsomely illustrated, eloquent book, published in partnership with the Snow Leopard Conservancy, world-renowned wildlife photographers, naturalists, and conservationists take the reader closer than most humans will ever get to knowing snow leopards and understanding why these beautiful big cats have for so long been considered the most mysterious of all. More than 130 breathtaking photographs—all taken in the wild, and none with camera traps—accompany personal narratives and anecdotes that convey the experience of learning to see; the patient pursuit, following the tracks and other sign for a momentary glimpse; an unexpected encounter; watching the predator hunt; a magical moment with a mother and her cubs. A special "seek and find" section challenges readers to spot the snow leopard—to discern camouflage from rock and snow. The text also relates the natural history of the snow leopard, its cultural significance and place in lore, its interactions with local peoples, and information about its conservation. Royalties from the sales of Searching for the Snow Leopard support the Snow Leopard Conservancy and its programs. Front Cover Half-Title Page Title Page Copyright Page Contents Foreword Rodney Jackson Preface Acknowledgments Introduction Shavaun Kidd THE CHALLENGE Shavaun Kidd THE JOURNEY Learning to See Björn Persson Enhancement of Study through Photography Shavaun Kidd In Their Footsteps Katey Duffey Sign of the Ghost Shavaun Kidd A Voice in the Silence Katey Duffey THE REAL THING The Privilege of Seeing a Snow Leopard Shavaun Kidd and Björn Persson The Phantom Katey Duffey An Unexpected Encounter Tashi Ghale Witness to a Hunt Oriol Alamany and Eulàlia Vicens IT’S NOT ALL ABOUT THE CAMERA Before the Magic Shavaun Kidd and Björn Persson Intimate Moments with a Mother Snow Leopard and Her Two Cubs Shavaun Kidd and Tashi Ghale THE ELUSIVE LEOPARD OF THE ROCKS Shavaun Kidd THE REWARD Watching from Afar Oriol Alamany and Eulàlia Vicens The Photographer, the Snow Leopard, and the Mountains Björn Persson THE BOND The Spirit Animal Shavaun Kidd A Day with a Special Family Oriol Alamany and Eulàlia Vicens The Snow Leopard Revealed Jak Wonderly BY SAVING THE SNOW LEOPARD, WE ARE SAVING OURSELVES Exploring Snow Leopard Conservation Shavaun Kidd The Snow Leopard Conservancy Shavaun Kidd Land of the Snow Leopard Network Darla Hillard Epilogue Notes Bibliography About the Contributors Photographic Credits Illustration Credit Shan Susan Leibik