Wild Encounters: Photographing Snow Leopards

In this short photo series, you’ll discover the work of photographer Luo Xiaoyun – sharing observations of snow leopards in his wild encounters, giving us a glimpse into understanding these charismatic felines. This work is part of the WWF-China’s project to raise awareness and understanding of biodiversity conservation, in which they invited wildlife photographer Luo Xiayoun to share his experiences.  

“My closest encounter with a snow leopard was just 8 meters away." - Luo Xiaoyun, Wildlife photographer.   

“Snow leopards are fierce and agile apex predators, I have personally witnessed them hunting yaks, which are much larger than humans. Now, not one, but two of these creatures were in front of me, so close that I dared not breathe heavily, and my heart pounding. 

Observing the posture and expressions of these two snow leopards at the scene, they appeared calm, exhibiting neither aggressive nor defensive body language, their eyes serene, even displaying a touch of curiosity and mischief.”  - Luo Xiaoyun

As part of the project, Luo explored whether snow leopards actually like snow and set to work to capture images of this elusive big cat in its rocky, snowy alpine habitat. 

"One might think, given that snow leopards live on high-altitude plateaus with perennial snow and have evolved a grayish-white coat unlike other felids, that they must be adapted to camouflage themselves in the snow. 

Indeed, snow leopards have a light grey base color with sparse ringed spots, but this is actually better suited for hiding among the barren rocks of the mountains." - Luo Xiaoyun

The WWF snow leopard programme in China was launched in 2016 and currently focuses on supporting local efforts to conduct research and monitoring activities. Through this we can gain a better understanding of snow leopards and their habitats, which help guide conservation efforts. It's hoped that through Luo Xiaoyun's lens, more people will fall in love with these majestic big cats and join the efforts to protect them.