An adult snow leopard was recently spotted at an altitude of 4,000 meters in a mountain depression of the Qilian Mountains in Gansu province, demonstrating the effectiveness of local environmental protection efforts.

The snow leopard's amber colored pupils peered through the wind and its long, fluffy tail elegantly hung down, blending seamlessly with the rugged snow rocks behind it.

An adult snow leopard is spotted in the Qilian Mountains. [Photo provided to gogansu.com]

The animal was encountered by a staff member of the Qifeng Nature Reserve Station of the Qilian Mountain Management and Protection Center during daily patrol work.

Upon spotting the snow leopard, the worker remained still and recorded the precious encounter with their mobile phone. After a few minutes of confrontation, the snow leopard confirmed that there was no threat and left the scene.

As the flagship species of high-altitude ecosystems, snow leopards play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance.

They have strict habitat requirements and their survival status is an important measure of the health of the ecosystem.

China accounts for over 60 percent of the animal's habitat.

An adult snow leopard is spotted in the Qilian Mountains. [Photo provided to gogansu.com]