A snow leopard attempting to bring down a full-grown male ibex in the icy wilderness of Himachal Pradesh’s Kibber region. The snow leopard clings to the ibex’s back as it bolts across the icy incline. According to studies by the Snow Leopard Trust, the ideal meal for a snow leopard is the ibex, specifically, fully grown males in the prime of their lives. Research shows that snow leopards select large male ibex more often than females, despite female ibex being closer to them in size. Heavier bodies and reduced agility can make prime-aged males more vulnerable in the crags and cliffs where snow leopards hunt.

Source: The Telegraph February 07, 2026 13:33 UTC