This is why scientists and environmental organizations in Siberia are telling the Siberian government NOT to build the gas pipeline across the Ukok Plateau. They recommend another route through Mongolia , following roads that already exist. This route would be longer, but much cheaper to build and maintain. The snow leopard is a beautiful big cat that lives in the high mountains of Central Asia. Few people ever see snow leopards because they live in regions that are too cold, high and rugged for most humans.
Snow leopards are well adapted to their harsh mountain environment.
Thick coats protect them from extremely cold temperatures. Fur cushions on their feet help them walk on snow and rocks. Adult snow leopards weigh between 60 and 120 pounds. Their fur varies from white to cream to pale yellow or gray, with bits of dark gray or black. In the wild, snow leopards blend well with the rocky slopes where they hunt.