
The indigenous peoples of the Indian Himalayas call them “the ghost of the mountain.” The moniker fits; with its thick, whitish-grey fur that blends perfectly with its icy local habitat, the snow leopard seems made for camouflage. This is not, however, enough to protect it from poaching or the ruinous effects of climate change. Not only are snow leopards difficult to find—there are now fewer of them to see. This is why the snow leopard is the subject of the photograph that won Sascha Fonseca the Wildlife Photographer of the Year People’s Choice Award. The London Natural History Museum hosts this photography competition to highlight the connection between photography, science, and art.