'Majestic': Rare Snow Leopard Photo Goes Viral With Stunning Clarity | WATCH

In a spectacular display of nature's beauty, a breathtaking slow-motion video of a snow leopard has recently captured the imagination of social media users. Known as the "ghost of the mountains," snow leopards are notoriously elusive and inhabit the snowy peaks of the Himalayas. The video, which showcases the majestic cat gazing directly into the camera lens, was captured by acclaimed US wildlife photographer Chris Henry.

Henry, renowned for his magnificent wildlife photographs and videos, shared the captivating footage with the caption, ''Locking eyes with a snow leopard.'' Since its release, the video has gone viral, drawing widespread admiration from viewers. Social media users have been left spellbound by the exceptional detailing and the snow leopard's stunning fur. Comments range from ''Incredible beauty'' to ''Heaven on Earth,'' with some praising the animal’s ''Hunting eyes'' and others simply calling it ''A magnificent animal.''

Snow leopards are found across 12 countries in central Asia, thriving in high, rugged mountain landscapes. In India, they are predominantly located in the high-altitude regions of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh , Uttarakhand, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh . The estimated population of snow leopards in India is between 200 and 600, making them a rare and elusive sight.

These solitary animals are skilled predators, capable of taking down prey up to three times their weight in challenging terrain. However, their rarity and unique status make them highly vulnerable to threats, particularly from poaching for their skin, bones, and other body parts.

As snow leopards continue to face numerous challenges, the awe-inspiring visuals of Henry’s video serve as a powerful reminder of the need for conservation efforts to protect these magnificent creatures and their mountainous habitats.