Ghost of the Mountains

A story about the fabulous snow leopard that has some good news: there may be more of them,  a "healthier population," than previously believed.

But previous estimates could be the product of simple ignorance.  This research from their home range in the Himalayas adds to the scant knowledge about these majestic cats that blend into their environment so well that, according to a researcher, they can't be seen unless they want to be seen.  It's why the snow leopard is called the Ghost of the Mountain.  So a lot said about them is legend and supposition.

Except that, even though humans kill them, a snow leopard has never been known to attack a human.

"Electronic eavesdropping" led to this discovery: Evidence of two cats sitting together to eat dinner “was quite a shock to us,” Dr. McCarthy said. Beyond mating and mother-cub relationships, he said, “snow leopards are supposed to be solitary.”