Camera traps spotted for the first time a snow leopardess with two cubs in the Sailyugem section of Sailugemsky National Park in the Republic of Altai.

“The appearance of a new animal is an important event. Now we are seeing the most favourable and optimal situation in terms of further development – a leopardess with cubs. Let’s assume that the leopardess will continue to live at the national park and the cubs will inhabit the adjacent territories in the future. In this case, the national park will fulfill its intended function: a reserve from which protected animals go to live in the adjacent territories,” said Denis Malikov, deputy director for science, research and monitoring of the park.

Also, in early May, camera traps at the park recorded a pregnant snow leopardess. Experts think she has already given birth to cubs. Usually, a litter consists of one or two cubs, and sometimes three.

At present, about 15 snow leopards inhabit Sailyugemsky National Park, and another 13 live in the adjacent territories.