In Nepal, there is an interesting belief among alpine herders that you shouldn't roast meat.

They believe that if you do, the mountain god will send its dog to take your livestock.

I think this one's interesting because it's at least half true.

Today we're going to talk about the mountain god's dog, the snow leopard, Penterra Aungia.

I'm Mackin. This is Species.

Happy Species Sunday. welcome to the show.

Today we're going to talk all about snow leopards, the fiction, the facts, including their incredible adaptations, and their striking beauty.

Later in the show, I'm going to explain the truth wrapped up in that myth, but only after I've told you some amazing snow leopard stuff.

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Thank you, Eric and the animals for playing me in.

And now, without further ado, I present to you the Snow Leopard.

Harsh doesn't begin to describe the snow leopard's climate they can live over five thousand meters above sea level in freezing cold temperatures and on slopes so steep you couldn't even

stand still on them,

let alone bound up and down them as if they're simple stairs the way snow leopards do.

A harsh climate is the hammer.

Evolution is the anvil.

Animals are steel.

Some are forged, strong, sharp, and ready for battle.

...