Work continues at the Sayano-Shushensky Biosphere Reserve under a grant project of the Russian Geographical Society. The Snow Leopard Borderlands Expedition focuses on the study and preservation of the unique feline. After a recent cycle of fieldwork, the expedition members managed to determine the gender of the cubs born in 2022.

“Snow leopards are usually identified by the pattern of spots on their skin. For each individual, we determine some distinctive patterns of rings and rosettes on the animal’s muzzle, tail, sides or paws. Their gender can only be deduced from photographs taken at a certain angle. Now we can say with confidence that two of the cubs are males, and one is a female,” said Roman Afanasyev, head of the reserve’s research department.

Snow leopards are predominantly nocturnal, but can be active during the day. On the newly obtained images and videos, they are examining the marking point in the predawn hours. One of the snow leopards is curiously testing the camera’s durability, while the other is resting in the shade. But a young female was almost posing: she cantered up a tree with ease, played and sharpened her claws.