tags: National Geographic, 2008 International Photography Contest, snow leopard, nature, image of the day
My friends at National Geographic have provided permission for me to share some of the images from their recent 2008 International Photography Contest.
The photographer writes;
The incredibly beautiful snow leopard, Panthera uncia, is indigenous to the mountains of Central Asia. Their dense coats and snowshoe-like paws are ideally suited for their cold, dry, rocky native environment. These shy, elusive cats, when fully grown, weigh up to 120 pounds and nose to tip of their very thick, furry tails measure up to 7 and a half feet long. Sadly, these phenomenal cats are an endangered species. This photograph was taken on a private reserve in Kalispell, Montana.
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Awww. Sweet moggy.
Clearly a good year for snow leopard photographers: http://www.nhm.ac.uk/visit-us/whats-on/temporary-exhibitions/wpy/
I admire your picture of the Snow Leopard. I have taken several intriguing pictures myself, but from the zoo perspective... where the cat was pacing. I believe the eyes on the Snow Leopard are beautiful and piercing. Congratulations on your capture of the beauty of the Snow Leopard in the wild.
You are absolutely right. These are outstanding creatures and I believe you captured their beauty, gracefulness and agility very well in this picture. I am glad you captured this photo. That is an incredible shot of an incredible animal.