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The Ghost of the Mountains by Kulbhushansingh Suryawanshi review
An Indian mountaineer follows in the footsteps of explorers and conservationists in search of an enigmatic animal
TL;DR
- Kulbhushansingh Suryawanshi's book provides an intimate look at the elusive snow leopard.
- The book contrasts with romanticized quest narratives, presenting a gritty account of conservation work.
- Snow leopards have unique adaptations for harsh mountain terrain, including a bushy tail and large paws.
- Conflict arises as snow leopards prey on livestock, leading to tension with local herders.
- Suryawanshi advocates for conflict mediation, livestock enclosures, and compensation schemes.
- The book critiques the 2017 IUCN decision to downgrade the snow leopard's status from 'endangered' to 'vulnerable', citing flawed science and political considerations.
- It questions the impact of mythologizing the snow leopard and its commodification, similar to Everest.
- The author aims to wrest the narrative of the snow leopard back from literary and metropolitan writers.