Liton Paul
Special Mention | Conservation Focus
Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh, India
Taking on the Grey Ghost
After a successful hunt, the Snow Leopard was feasting on its catch when a pack of feral dogs tried to steal its meal. The image captures the moment when the felid stepped towards one of the dogs during the standoff. Feral dogs have become a common sight in the Spiti Valley, where they often attack animals like Blue Sheep, Himalayan Ibex and Red Fox. But the fact that they are now also confronting apex predators like the Snow Leopards is alarming to say the least. Feral dogs reduce the prey base for Snow Leopards and can spread fatal diseases like canine distemper among wild animals.
