Thank you...

A big thanks to those who have been reading my blog at this page.  From 3 March 2014 I'll be posting the blog at www.wildtiger.org/jackkinross.  The blog will also continue at www.facebook.com/jackkinross which is the most popular point for online interaction on these topics.

I have made this change to streamline the process.  Remember, from just $5 you can really help our work in Nepal by visiting www.wildtiger.org/mountaintiger or you can go the JaiBagh shop at www.wildtiger.org/jaibagh

Thanks again for your support.  It is really appreciated :)

Cheers Jack.

Run little leopard run, your life is ahead of you...

...AND YOU ARE ALREADY CHANGING THE LIVES OF OTHERS...Today was one of those where anything could have happened, hey, it's Nepal.  And it wasn't smooth sailing, but yes, Asa now has an outdoor section to his den... and he loves it!  I'll tell how it all went when I do the major Asa update soon but while the finishing touches were being done to his high cage which adjoins the den, Ananta, Shiva and I took Asa again to where his main enclosure will be built, in a great piece of forest and we had a blast.  Asa was so happy, running between the three of us with wonder, mischief and joy in his eyes.  I got this shot as he ran towards me before he jumped onto the camera and my head... he then bit me... I then bit him... that's how it works between us :)
Asa is already changing the lives of others, the forest guards will be getting a higher income, I'll explain that soon.  The community is getting involved, children are being filled with a sense of awe, asking questions and getting answers.
Nepal, bless you... extreme poverty, extreme mountains, extreme wildlife, extreme smiles, extreme craziness, extreme tranquility ... and a little leopard called Asa is making things happen...

Quick update re Asa the leopard cub, a big day ahead working on his den...

It's just after 4am and there's a long day ahead working on the next stage of Asa's current den.  He'll be off contact with everyone but "immediate family" (four forest guards and me) for up to three weeks while he adjusts. This image doesn't quite get the blue of his eyes and believe me, while he looks cute and cuddly, well, he's a leopard, he bites and scratches hard and doesn't tolerate anyone outside his family.  This is exactly the behaviour we need for the rest of his rehabilitation, he needs to retain as much wildness as possible to be effective.  Just to clear things up (again!), Asa himself will not be rewilded but will be used for study of the process which is very complicated.  Less than 40% of leopard cubs survive so Asa is in the "going to live" bracket now.
It's taken a lot of work to get to the level of trust we now have.  Yesterday afternoon was the first complete time out I've had in ages with Asa and my other work filling my days.  I slept soundly.  But now it's back into it.  I'll have a much more detailed report soon and once again I'm behind in messages ... so much to do but it's worth every effort...  and just a quick reminder, Asa images are available at www.wildtiger.org/asa with another exclusive image (5 only) ready soon.  Cheers Jack.

Beauty and the beast, you decide... and no yeti jokes ok ...

Yesterday I took Asa into the forest area where his final enclosure will be built. That is a few months away but I want him to really know the area before that time comes...
It's not that far from his current den which is having an outside section built at the moment. There's a lot of logistics involved in all this but Asa's future as a study for rewilding and leopard behaviour is really important with the increasing amount of conflict, with more and more human fatalities and leopards suffering as well.
I really want to thank James Robinson for his great photography during this memorable session. Asa was very calm, looking around, taking it all in. James kept his distance perfectly, I can always feel if Asa is tense, there was no problem this time. Forest guards Shiva and Ananta watched over the situation in the soft late afternoon light that surrounded this special moment...
There's a lot going on but I should have a full update within the next few days. Cheers Jack.

The paws have it... a more relaxed day for a leopard and a kiwi...

 I get a lot of messages about Asa's paws. Yes, they are impressive. I'll show video of him climbing soon, you can see just how impressive all of him is physically!
We had a quieter session today, more emphasis on just hanging out. He was playful, joyful even. At the end of session I'm usually pretty exhausted, ready for a break ... an hour later I miss him.
The bond is something I can't really describe...

Face to face with the cold hard reality... haunting human/wildlife conflict as another child is killed by leopard...

Please read this post before making comments using the word "cute" or similar.  In actual fact, at the time the image was taken,  Asa was showing his teeth.  He wasn't amused.  We'd had a long training session in his den, he'd been happy and active, very active.  When it came time for his brief public viewing at the end of the day  he braced himself and his mood changed.  He was wary, he bit, he was a leopard...

As much as he can turn on to have a chocolate box expression it must always be remembered Asa is an apex predator.  Leopards are ruthless killers.  They are superbly cunning.  Once focused upon, there is little chance for their prey, animal or human.  The sheer strength, agility and intelligence of these animals is astonishing.

Another child was killed by a leopard in the Baitadi region of western Nepal on Wednesday.  That's about twenty five people now in under two years in that area alone.  Day or night, people and livestock are not safe.  Forget sirens, lights, patrols, everything has been tried.  A crack team from Chitwan could not track the leopard(s) and now there is a shoot to kill order for police and army squads.

Here in the Kaski I'm visiting an area in two days where leopards are on the prowl.  People are scared. Dogs are taken every night.  I had a long discussion with Prabhat of the Forestry Office about the formation of a Response Team in this region.  It has to happen.  I'm also visiting the Baitadi region next month.  I'll try and visit as many of the victim's families as possible.  We have to learn everything we can.

There's never going to be complete harmony, life doesn't work like that.  Living with big cats means living with risk.  The aim is balance, fairness to both sides of the conflict.

This is what Asa is really all about.  At the moment I'm training him to stay wild so we can learn.  Rewilding, relocation, just better understanding for the sake of future leopards are what can be achieved to keep with the aim of balance, that's the goal.

Today he growled at me with a volume that surprised us both.  It was primal.  We are friends, in a way family but it is relationship that is not cuddly, it's raw and often rough. He'll sometimes eat his food right up against me, we have that measure of trust, he knows I'm on his side, for now.

In the wild, leopards eventually go their separate ways.  My relationship with Asa will never cease but it will change.  For the sake of the knowledge we must get Asa must be allowed to keep, learn as many of a leopard's wild instincts as possible.  That's what his mother would have taught him.  We must do it a different way but we must do it...

24 hours of real positives - people, T shirts and a feisty leopard...

                               Hemant... protector of wildlife...

                                Som... protector of wildlife..

                                    Asa... "don't mess with the leopard"...

 I'll explain more soon but first of all a huge thanks to Kate Walton, Elle Ammerman, Anna Collins, James White and April Bayley for their purchases of the exclusive imageyesterday. Boots and gear for the Forest Guard team will be delivered today - this stuff is vital. Thanks to the many others who have purchased images of late, I'll be getting them to you soon. There have been several generous donations as well, these people will be getting exclusive images. You are all making a difference. Only a few really understand how difficult it is to operate here but when I got a call from an excited Hemant in Bardia last night telling me of progress out in western Nepal, well it it really made me feel all the effort is so worth it. Hemant is doing great things, I'm very proud of him as I'm sure his late father is, up in Tiger heaven. Another doing amazing work is our Bird and Wildlife man Som G.C. - Som does fantastic work behind the scenes, I'll have more about his, Hemant's and several others great efforts soon.
And I have just heard a box of T shirts has arrived in the US! This is a huge relief. After some painful financial losses it looks like we may have a courier system that works. A lot of stress can now vanish, onwards and upwards...
Finally, for now, Asa the feisty leopard. Just 30 minutes after being curled up resting against me, sleeping while we took a break during an intensive training session, he distinguished himself by trying to bite Dr Hum Gurung. Hum had come to visit us, he is one of Nepal's most notable conservationists but Asa is not swayed by anyone.
I love this little guy  More soon... cheers Jack.

Leopard for a cause... first available images of Asa starting at just $5... plus an exclusive image

The first Asa images are now available at www.wildtiger.org/asa Starting at $5 and there's also an exclusive image available to just a few...
Update on the JaiBagh Shop and the T shirt situation soon.

Asa images available soon and "I want to bite a tourist"...

 Asa was incredible today. The afternoon session was dynamic, I really had to be on my toes. He'd bite them off if he could. And he was really snarly and growly at the tourists when we had a small late afternoon showing - I was so proud of my little mate! In this image he's about to deal to his "prey"... again. He was super agile and was climbing with ease a vertical log I have put in his den. His strength and toughness is awe inspiring, he takes some great tumbles but just comes back for more... I really like his style 
Earlier in the day I'd had frustration after frustration as I tried to get things done re Asa's Stage 1 rehab. His outdoor enclosure to join on his den is still not finished ... slowly, slowly, patience Jack patience... but it's not far away now. The electricity issues, some misunderstandings, these things add up... Chiran, thank you, you were a massive help my friend.
Asa's afternoon performance really cheered me though. It's pretty exhausting but I wouldn't swap it for the world as I can really sense what an awesome animal he will become... and how he will alter people's ways of thinking and acting... he already is!
Really hoping the first for sale images are available soon... cheers Jack.

This is one of the many reasons we need gear...

Check out Shiva's thumb. Now check out his shoes. At yesterday morning's training session for Asa, Shiva slipped on a steep slope while making sure the little leopard didn't come to any harm...
Yesterday I posted on Facebook that I was about to sell exclusive Asa images to raise money to get boots for the four forest guards I am working with in Asa's rehabilitation. I had already decided to do this before the accident. Things like this happen all the time. My "bloody book" will tell many stories. The fantastic Aussie Kate Walton immediately sent money to buy boots with extra that will get Shiva some medical treatment. You see, he can't afford it. He earns barely three bloody dollars a day from the Ministry of Forests. About 20 million people in this country earn $2 a day. I'm happy to dip into my own pocket for these guys but I really appreciate it when people like Kate and the wonderful Ellen Ammerman make these great contributions. Ellen is a gold star giver and will be visiting us next month. More about her contributions then. There are many of you. Just a few dollars here and there really helps. All of you will be put on a role of honour when we get UNESCO status for the Annapurna.
Kate emailed me a while back saying she was happy to support my "no bullshit" approach to conservation. I really appreciated that. WildTiger people don't poof round in huge luxury jeeps, we don't spend hours and hours at endless meetings. We get our hands dirty because we believe...
There'll be a $5 Asa image available very soon plus a $20 image and an exclusive image like Kate has bought available only to four more people. You can see by the image how the money is spent. I'll have more details about Stage 1 and Stage 2 of Asa's part in how it is fitting into Project Mountain Tiger very soon as well. It's a lot of work in testing conditions but I'm hell bent that we will succeed. And we are all in this together... cheers Jack.

Lights, camera, action - studying the life of a leopard cub...

Apparently we were on TV news.  I didn't see it.  Nor did Asa.  Like me, he doesn't have a TV in his room.  Winter Olympics, what Winter Olympics?
Asa is however being monitored.  I am using a camera system to help understand him more.  The image shown here is part of a time lapse set up, I need to know more about what Asa does at night.  He's a leopard.  Night time is the right time.
I've finally got a couple of days to really catch up with everything, send out overdue emails ... and try and find a hot shower somewhere (please).  There is so much to be done and now Asa is being pulled into Project Mountain Tiger, I'll explain how this all works in a day or two...
Once again, I really want to express my thanks for the support, it honestly helps :)  I very much appreciate those who understand what I am trying to achieve here by giving Asa the chance to be a leopard... Asa is already teaching us so much, the knowledge we take from here on in can only help in the complex interplay between humans and wildlife...

Asa the leopard cub is opening many doors, as an eagle watches closely...

The little leopard was hesitant this morning. He was wary. It was overcast and cold. Snow was falling on the Annapurnas and the smaller ranges closer to Pokhara. We went out into our forest session at the usual time of 7am but there was a different feeling as Asa stuck close to me, there was not quite his pluck of the last few days.
He likes to venture into a deep patch of undergrowth. Ananta, Shiva and myself keep track of him by the tinkle of his little bell. This morning he did not linger, instead coming to my boots, looking up as I hurriedly took notes. We were intrigued by his wariness.
In the corner of my eye I spotted movement. The others, including Asa, did not see the eagle land in a tree close to the Ranger Post. Shiva ran with Asa back to the small group of sheds that make up the Post as I watched with baited breath. An eagle can take out a leopard cub.
Asa got home safely but perhaps his senses were working overtime today... maybe just as well... as I watched the eagle fly even closer to the Post...
I spend the afternoon sessions with Asa in his small shed, we simulate stalking and hunting. He captures and kills his prey, a piece of yellow sacking on the end of a rope. We do this for hours. Today he took his prey up one of logs I have mounted in his room. I really felt today the little cub learned his lessons well...
It's been an intense last ten days. Once again thank you very much for the moral support. I should be able to give more updates from this point and catch up with the many messages as well as thank supporters. Asa is opening doors for wildlife protection and conservation already. More soon... cheers Jack.

In the still morning air a little leopard climbs a tree for the first time ...

A quick update (I've moved to a place not far from Asa and the electricity situation is not good) and a thanks for the fantastic moral support. There have alsobeen solid financial ones, from $2 to $700, more on this soon but I will really have to concentrate hard on that aspect shortly. In the meantime a lot of intensive rehabilitation work has gone into Asa. I have the scratches, bites and sleep deprivation to prove it. I also have a deep bond with a little predator who this morning climbed his first tree. We had been practicing hard and this was such a beautiful thing to see, the moment he hauled himself up and peered into the beyond. Ananta and Shiva, the two forest guards I work with in the morning sessions, could not hide their delight. Nor could I. There is so much to be done but this was a moment in time to lead us forward...

Frightening power as a little leopard starts to get confidence back...

Not enough hours in the day at the moment but the time that was yesterday was intense. Seemingly overnight, Asa made huge gains in power, strength and confidence. I was mentally sapped after several hours of rehab work with the little wild cat. And Asa really is a wild animal, don't let the "cuteness" fool you. My hand needs medical attention due to a jaw grip that is frightening. The sheer power of this animal is stunning and the transition in how Asa now has to be handled has to follow suit.
I've just finalized with the builders and metal workers Stage 1 of the enclosure. It has to be as strong as hell. It is the first part of an overall plan that will encompass holding, medical treatment, rehab and rewilding of one the most powerful predators on the planet, the Chituwa, the jungle leopard, the forest leopard, the common leopard, call it what you like but the challenge is on.
I emphasize again that Asa has really no chance of being rewilded. While this is sad, Asa will play a huge role for study, awareness and ultimately long overdue recognition (read UNESCO) for this incredible biodiversity hotspot, the Annapurna region.
So right now there is so much to do. I have been handed the responsibility to oversee this initial stage of the project and in conjunction with the local community, the Department of Forests, the Annapurna Conservation Area Project, the National Trust for Nature Conservation as well as collaboration with WWF and my own organization WildTiger Conservation Research and Development, there are great personnel. But money is an issue. I'll be hammering hard re funding starting tomorrow.
A huge thanks to those who have contributed so far. There will be more links atwww.wildtiger.org soon. I simply don't have time to get to all the messages right now but I will when I can. Before a week ago there were already huge challenges, now a leopard called Asa has added an element that will ultimately help, but there is a hell of a lot to be done... cheers Jack.

Asa will be safe but there is still a lot to be done...

Be careful what you wish for huh? Four days ago I blogged about the secretive forest leopard eluding my re camera traps, now I have one who this morning starting licking my hand.
It's been a long few days, am exhausted, but yes, Asa will be safe. Meetings this morning on location with the Forest Office and WWF meant things can be pushed along further. I spent several hours with Asa, just quietly calming this amazing little leopard who is in a much better state now. I know it all sounds cute and cuddly but it's not. This is a wild animal who lost its mother and will never be free. I have been handed responsibility and will do my very best as this cat represents so much to the area. Many people are excited about how Asa can be such a strong symbol and I myself have promoted this. However, there is a sadness about this which is why the best must be done.
The scared, traumatized little animal of the last few days relaxed this morning. Asa ate well, I thank those who have helped with funding so far. Asa rubbed up against me as we sat in the dark shed currently home. I'm trying to get people to understand that leopards like quiet (a bit like me) so a sign goes up shortly. I've also taken the measure that Asa will not be handled by everyone who comes along, he just doesn't like it. While I'm happy to be his mum for now the time will come soon when Asa will not have that sort of contact, people must understand this is not a pet. A double door system will be built in a day or two as the first stage of the enclosure takes place. My cameras in the mountains will have to wait for me a bit longer...
Yes, Asa really is a symbol for hope, I'll explain what is exactly happening shortly in that regard. Watch out for the upcoming Asa Facebook page.
There is still much to be done, it is not time to celebrate yet by any means but we are over the first hurdle...
Thanks so much for your support, more news tomorrow, cheers Jack.

Sad loss of one cub but determination to save Asa grows...

 First of all I have many people to thank, many people who have become part of this. The interest, concern and passion has touched me as it shows that you understand how importantit is to save this little leopard. Asa, all going well, has such a role to play going forward. I have many people to reply to, I will get there, you all are playing vital parts in this... I know some of you will even visit Asa one day and it will bring home even more how vital your help is...
The loss of Asa's tiny wild cat companion overnight has highlighted the issues we are facing even more. I always felt the little one had an uphill battle but of course it is very sad nonetheless.
I will be honest and say I was concerned about Asa's state of mind this morning to the extent that I could not wait any longer for action to be taken. While things were progressing I felt a real sense of urgency. Sometimes knocking a little harder on the right doors is called for and several motorbike rides, many phone calls and a meeting with the head of the Forest Office finally produced a result... Asa will have a proper enclosure and proper care. There is still so much to be done and in many ways the hard work just got harder, I feel like I haven't slept since I don't know when... but look into that little face and what it represents, the relationship between humanity and our fellow species in a habitat we must protect with all our might.
I'll have more news tomorrow, more details and some exciting developments as to how a piece of technology can bring you real time images of Asa's life going forward... I just want the next few days to go quickly, get this thing done... thank you, we're all in this together, cheers Jack.

UPDATE ON LEOPARD CUB SITUATION...

 We got to the forest office this morning to find the smaller cub barely alive, in fact to touch, well, I thought he was dead. Unlike Asa, who you can see me checking here and is definitely a leopard, the smaller cat is a smaller breed of wild cat, ID unknown at this stage.
I massaged the smaller cat for over two hours and he struggled back to life. He took droplets of milk from my hand and is relatively stable now. I will post more images when I know both cats will live. I'm reasonably confident re Asa but we need to build an enclosure, and quickly. The officer in charge agreed but the permission process here can take time. However, I'm sure it will happen and this is what those of you who are helping will help fund but for now, medical expenses and food need to be paid for.
Asa is incredibly beautiful and we have bonded in the small amount of time. Krishna is trying his best to get local support, he has good contacts. Edward, an Australian from Melbourne is giving practical support which I am grateful for. It is vital that the locals see foreigners are interested, want to see the right thing done.
Kathmandu Zoo cannot take Asa. Asa, which as I explained yesterday means Hope, will have to stay here in Pokhara and I cannot help but feel will play a vital role in everything we are trying to do here. Strange as it may sound this incredible little animal is playing a part in the ultimate goal of getting UNESCO status for the Annapurna Conservation Area.
It looks like I am going to be spending the night with these two cats in an attempt to keep them warm. I hope I can give you a positive report tomorrow. I'm a researcher, I deal with data but it is impossible not to get emotionally involved in a situation like this.
For those who want to help go to www.wildtiger.org/wildtigerjournal4Feb2014
Cheers Jack.

When a big cat attacks...

I've been "threatening" to write about "freedom" in the last few days, I will, I'm just waiting on some details, some decisions. When it comes to freedom humanitarian and environmental issues are closely linked. Manipulating forces affect both. I hate it when I feel I'm being manipulated, it affects my own sense of freedom... so I get protective of others when they are being manipulated, whether they be human or wildlife. But yeah, more soon...

The image takes in one of the areas of interest in the Modi Khola valley. I've had cameras in and around that particular conflict zone and am a few days away from checking cameras higher (and not in the photo) on the ridgeline above where I've written "school children start walking from here". There is a small waterhole, in deep, beautiful forest. I can't wait to see what we find. The images from the region so far have been exciting. You may have seen the video of the young black bear I posted on the Mountain Biodiversity facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/groups/205706422804198/) a little while back. 

There is more, much more ... BUT the forest leopard, the elusive "Chituwa"as it is known here remains just that, elusive.

I'm becoming more and more fascinated by this animal. So little is known about the leopards in this part of the Himalaya. As I've mentioned before the tiger and the snow leopard get all the press. Everybody goes blah blah blah about these two great cats. But the chituwa remains such a mystery. I'm really attracted to mystery. And now that there is mounting evidence that the chituwa is existing up to 4000m, well, is this animal the true mountain tiger?

Buffalo have been taken. Buffalo are big. Buffalo are strong. Buffalo can be extremely feisty and they fight hard. In the extreme steep terrain of the Himalayan jungles it takes a big cat of major strength and stealth to take an animal such as a buffalo. When I show my three photographs to locals who have had big cat encounters (the photos are of tiger, chituwa and snow leopard) most people point to the chituwa. And most of them describe a cat which is almost tiger like in size. To survive on these steep slopes and take big ungulates, well, these chituwa have to be very strong in the hind quarters... and that is the type of animal that is described to me. And it is described with a sense of awe...

Of course it could be a yeti taking these buffalo. However, the footprints look more like a cat than a yeti. The scat is also more like that of a cat. I don't know much about anything but I'm sure yeti shit is bigger than leopard shit. Cat scat, yeti shit ... I spend a lot of time checking the ground...

I'm also excited about the next camera placement, at the foot of mighty Maachapuchare, the beautiful unclimbed mountain, much higher up in a place where your sleeping bag needs to be damn good. What dwells there? Is this the overlap point between snow leopard and chituwa? Do these two leopards hunt the same prey in the same area? And will I find more bears? 

And will I be building a "rock tent" and lying in wait for days on end? Oh wait, I wasn't supposed to write that last question ... more soon  Cheers Jack.

Freedom ... what it means to the tiger, the leopards of the snows, to us... (Part 1)

I've been off the grid for a few days and messages to catch up with now, I'm sorry it's taken a while to get back to people. I'll hopefully be able to blog soon but freedom, it means so many things. This image is of the unclimbed mountain but I have walked past slums, had visits to a South Asian jail, digested and acted on information on illegal trade, wondered about the images our cameras are collecting high in the mountains, thought deeply of the tiger, the leopards of the snows and the real meanings of freedom...

The Tiger, the Himalayan Mountain, the Taiji Dolphin, all connected ... why do you fuck it up?

I waited a while for the light to be right before taking this shot. I walk long distances to be able to photograph things of beauty, things that must be protected. These mountains and their inhabitants, great cats, great bears, great birds and great people. My heart was far away at that moment, it was with the Taiji dolphins. You dolphin killers at Taiji right now, you are pathetic. You are not men, you are pathetic. You are not brave, you are pathetic. I spit at your feet...

I am about to visit a young woman in prison. She has been wrongly accused of murder. She is so positive, so strong. One day justice will prevail, her and her friends will be free. You killers at Taiji have not one percent of the courage of this young woman. Why do you fuck it up? Because you are pathetic. I spit at your feet...

There are many, like the Taiji killers, who have no understanding. They cannot appreciate the beauty of the light on the mountain, they do not understand why we must protect the tiger, the dolphin, they do not understand the connection. Wake up, you are pathetic, I and many others are losing the last of our tolerance of your pathetic, weak, ignorant actions. There are no excuses any more. Right now I spit at your feet...

Balancing in the mountains...

The intricate balance of space between mountain ecosystems and human existence is like the prayer wheels on a Buddhist Mani wall. The wheels are turned at different speeds. Many factors dictate those speeds, rhythms, balances. Getting it right for a protected area is ongoing action balanced as I have said before with much much patience...

Right now, back at the foot of the mountains, I'm playing with the jigsaw puzzle of negotiations. Understanding which eye contacts are meaningful and purposeful is a vital piece of the puzzle. Anyone can write words, anyone can promise. Delivery and going forward come not from words but from footsteps. Perhaps it is best to judge a man by his boots...

Thank you for all the support, it comes in varying ways, it makes a difference. I'm sorry I'm not one to have time to comment, "like" and such forth. I'll have more opportunity to contribute on my own threads here soon, I thank those who make the effort. It's just that for the moment I need every moment to make my own footsteps in this quest for protection of a mountain area dear to many and vital to some of the most incredible wildlife and landscape on our planet...

Three snow leopard sightings in twenty-nine years confirms magnitude of task...

A very positive last few days. Testing cameras just above and below 4000m in winter conditions taught several lessons.  The middle finger on my right hand doesn't work that well right now.  The need for thin gloves (or removal of gloves altogether) to work the switches on the cameras saw to that.  But it's ok.  It just means the cameras need bigger switches for bigger gloves.  Lesson learnt.

The technology worked well, I'm really pleased.  Still more testing to be done and some technical issues to sort out but progress is good.  A fast trip down to 2500m yesterday and a set of cameras placed early this morning in a location which may yield the first images of forest leopard at this altitude means all tasks for now are complete.  In a couple of days I'll drop further, will have a good signal and blog properly.  I'll also be able to reply to messages, thank you so much for the support.  For those who have ordered $5 Tigers, the images will be with you soon.

Some time spent with Ram Gurung at altitude confirmed the needles are well hidden in the haystack. Twenty-nine years living and working at 4000m and Ram has had just three brief sightings of the elusive mountain ghost.  Snow leopards live here, we know that, there is plenty of evidence but no images. Many people say to me they hope I get a sighting but I explain that is not the goal.  The goal is information so developing cameras that work efficiently in this area is the key.

 This side of the mighty Annapurna mountains is an area of stunning beauty and amazing biodiversity but there are secrets, many secrets... the forest leopard, the snow leopard and maybe the mountain tiger are still to reveal theirs... 

Snow leopard and prey, much respect for animals who live at altitude in winter,,,

4000m in winter, well, it gets cold. Yesterday freezing but today a lot easier. Managed to get cameras out but is challenging conditions for equipment. Unless you have experienced it (and not many are this stupid!) it's really hard to explain. The sheer scale of this place and the fact that wildlife lives here in these condition, I just have huge respect for these hardy creatures. Tomorrow I go higher and it may be a couple of days before a signal. This thing takes time, I think some people are under the impression that I will be sending out pretty pictures straight away! It's not like that, these amazing animals have remained elusive for a reason..

Into the realm of the sneaky snow leopard...

First of all a really big thanks for the support which has come in many forms. I often say we're all in this together, I really mean it...
In a couple of days I'll be on the other side of the snowy peaks you can see in the image. It's snowing right now which is perfect. This means blue sheep and other snow leopard prey will drop down. So that means this Kiwi wont have to put his cameras up quite so high.

Maybe as high up as 4300m which in a Himalayan winter means frosty fingers. Later on before monsoon cameras will go up to over 5500m but that is just not feasible right now. The sneaky snow leopard shouldn't be that high in winter anyway. We'll see. Maybe.

Sneaky snow leopards live there. We know that. There has never been an image of one in this particular area. They are sneaky.

This is a testing phase for these cameras. A real time image transmission to my laptop is the aim. This will take some time to get right so it'll be a couple of weeks. There'll be passive cameras in use as well. Each camera requires a decent amount of work with establishing region, correct settings and installation which in this case means building a mini cave, snow leopard height.

Yep, frosty fingers.

Yesterday I touched on my happiness re the appointment of the forest guard. Najar Man Gurung and I have just finished discussing how it can all work. When Najar and I sowed the seeds of this project three years ago we knew we had massive mountains to climb. This is the Himalaya after all. So many issues in a country full of issues.

Now I feel we have established the route to the summit of these mountains. We have begun fixing ropes. The cold wintry air is filling our nostrils with the smell of progress. There's still a long way to climb and fingers will be frosty for some time to come. But it's happening.

There are many people to thank. Many of you I have had contact with in some form or other and there have been so many times my faith in human nature has soared thanks to the help and support that has been forthcoming. You are making a difference and when I finish writing this thing in full, when these mountains have been understood, I will share the efforts of many because you need to be known.

Thank you. We are all in this together...

This may be my last blog for a while depending on what happens up there. There is a chance there will be a signal available at 3700m. The Mountain Gods will decide. The sneaky snow leopard will as well...

Kia Kaha and Jai Bagh...

The mysterious Himalayan forest leopard and a great breakthrough a forest guard starts work...

 It's good to be back in the mountains and it's been really positive, not easy but positive. 

The image is of Mila Gurung untying a camera earlier today. That particular camera picked up still images and video of Himalayan black bear, monkey species, deer species, numerous birds as well as small mammals. I was really happy with the results. Cameras were placed on mountain trails which locals visit reasonably often as well as other trails which see less frequent human use and some wildlife use. Where Mila is hanging out here was in the third zone where there is very little human travel. It was steep, we were encouraged to make each footstep a secure one. I was really thrilled with the bear videos.

There was plenty of prey for big cats but the elusive Himalayan forest leopard stayed hidden. So little is known about this cat. The rock star tiger is much much easier to photograph. That other main icon, the snow leopard, is much harder to find but the the most difficult by far are these forest leopards. I have huge respect for these animals. They operate in harsh terrain. They just don't get the big popularity votes the tiger and snow leopard get but believe me, when you spend time in their habitat here in the Himalaya you can't help but be in awe.

Yesterday I trekked into Chhomrong (yes it does have two "h") mid afternoon. I had had a brilliantly positive meeting with Paras Singh of the Annapurna Conservation Area Project the night before and we mapped out plans until monsoon. It's going to be a busy time, a lot of walking over varied terrain and some cold cold nights. But all very worthwhile. Paras is a visionary with an absolute passion for mountain biodiversity, a great guy to be working alongside.

So I was full of hope as I arrived at the Cottage in Chhomrong. I was a little sore, I had a decent load on my back for camera work higher up in the coming days. I got the usual lovely meeting from Suhila and Manmiya but they both were adamant that I should unload quickly and drop down the (in)famous Chhomrong stairs to a local meeting which was being headed another of the team in Project Mountain Tiger, Najar Man Gurung. To be honest, I didn't know what to expect, good news or bad. I raced down the steps hoping I wouldn't have to climb back up later with a problem to solve.

It turned out to be quite the opposite. I said my namastes to the group and was greeted with big smiles. The biggest was from Najar. Shortly before I got there, after a lot of discussion (some quite heated) a forest guard had been appointed to monitor and try and help discourage human/wildlife conflict situations.

I couldn't believe it. This was a major attitudinal shift for the collective. I said my piece, how proud I was of this decision. As I sit here now with layers of wool, fleece and down I'm warm inside thinking about it 

I'll explain more tomorrow. I have one more day before I head from here at 2100m to over 4000m for a couple of weeks. As I wrote earlier, it's not easy but when there is progress like yesterdays, it makes all the effort worthwhile...

"Bro, chill out, we're in Nepal" and the trail to UNESCO for the snow leopard, forest leopard and tiger...

Patience really is a virtue.  I'm in a race with time, well, a race with nature actually.  I've been down at lake level in Pokhara for several days longer than I hoped I would be.  There are things beyond my control. I have to get back to altitude quickly before winter potentially closes off a trail because of avalanche risk.  To compound matters a couple of days ago my height was once again a weakness against low doorways.  Blood and big headache.  I feel even more stupid than normal and that's saying something.

On the same day as my head clash I watched a foreigner lose his temper over something quite trivial.  I wont go into the details but it was another case of someone not understanding the culture here and what people are really up against.  When the tourist came out with "it's not how it's done in my country," I was quick to come out with "bro, chill out, we're in Nepal."  It didn't go down too well as he huffed and puffed his way out.

You have to patient, it's just the way things are.  Patience teaches tolerance and tolerance teaches humility. The issues I've been dealing with these past few days will all be resolved in their own time.  I am a little disappointed some settings for a cellular camera trap still haven't been worked out but it will happen.

So I have to get to over 4000m soon to set cameras.  It's in an area never before monitored, targeting snow leopard but who knows what we'll find.  I have to stay near the region of the cameras for a couple of weeks to dig them out when there is the inevitable snowfall.  The Himalaya at that altitude in winter is an acquired taste, not for everyone.  I like it.  Actually no, I love it.  There are the challenges of staying warm and working in an extreme environment.  Winter camera trapping at altitude means being in the moment but a lot of planning and forethought.  Not a situation in which to be impatient.

It is about being very humble, it's impossible not to be.  The high mountains are unforgiving but at the same time give so much.  I'm very much looking forward to the relationship again.  Respect this environment and some secrets may be revealed.

This is a mission in conjunction with Paras Singh, the regional chief officer of the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) and Bikram Shrestra of the Snow Leopard Conservancy (SLC).  Both men act in alliance with the National Trust of Nature Conservation (NTNC) here in Nepal.  Paras and Bikram are both men of great humility, passionate about what they do.  They understand the meaning of patience.

While Paras and Bikram wont be joining me on this expedition we share data and knowledge.  Testing cameras in these conditions is a big part of my script this time but we are all excited about the prospect of getting images of snow leopard.  With the discovery of Pallas's Cat a few days ago in another part of the region it is an exciting time.  I really enjoy the company of researchers like Paras and Bikram and especially because they are so humble.  There is no "I feel awesome because I did this" type talk, just a quiet determination to do the right thing in the knowledge that the job never ends.

I wrote about this attitude in the WildTiger Journal published on New Year's Day.  That was mainly in reference to conservation and anti-poaching icon, Ramesh Thapa.  As the journal explains, Ramesh after a long service to the Bardia region has just taken a transfer to Chitwan National Park.  The balance of humility, understanding and determination is what makes Ramesh so respected.  He knows what he knows and does not step outside that. The tigers of Bardia owe him much but Ramesh would never ever admit that.

I have a reluctance to deal with people who promote their own achievements.  True conservationists don't really possess this trait.  In this age of global communication there is a lot of "eco-warrior" type talk.  The years have taught me that's what it mainly is, talk.

In trying to get things done I don't really look for organizations, I look for people within organizations. People of action.  People who walk the walk.  The people I have mentioned here are very much walking the walk. There are others, some of who you know through my writings, others to be revealed...

For a vision to become more than that, having the right people involved is paramount.  When the vision is working towards UNESCO World Heritage status for two extremely important biodiversity areas where community conservation is key, having the right people supporting the concept with action, passion and above all humility will ensure the right outcome.  The tiger, the forest leopard and the snow leopard depend on it.  We owe them that.

But there is still a lot to be done, we have to work hard ... and we have to be patient.