Saving the Ghost of the Mountain: An Expedition Among Snow Leopards in Mongolia (Library Binding) (ISBN-13: 9780618916450)

People call it "The Ghost of the Mountain," for those who live among snow leopards almost never see one. Beautiful spotted coats conceal these elusive cats in their rocky, high-altitude habitat--a place where temperatures are often cold enough to freeze human tears. A thick, long tail for balance helps snow leopards spring at their prey from great distances--prey that is often three times its own size. Slinking along the Mongolian mountain ridges, the snow leopards are invisible--and almost impossible to study.
But that doesn't deter scientist Tom McCarthy, Conservation Director of the Seattle-based Snow Leopard Trust, or his many colleagues from dedicating their lives' work to the study and protection of this seldom-seen creature. And it doesn't stop Sy Montgomery and Nic Bishop from packing their bags in order to join Tom on a trek to Mongolia, where they hope to learn more about this magical cat, a cat who doesn't give up its secrets easily.
It will take endurance and persistence to climb the dusty mountain trails, hope of a snow leopard sighting rising and falling with each new summit. It will take practice and experience to lay humane leghold snares, collect scat samples, and set up motion-triggered cameras. It will take patience, focus--and yes, love--to dedicate a lifetime learning more about this little-understood creature. But that's the only way the Snow Leopard Trust can protect their charges, before the snow leopard truly becomes nothing but a ghost of the mountain.
With a dazzling, as-it-happens narrative and spectacular photographs, Sy Montgomery and Nic Bishop bring Mongolia up close for readers everywhere.

Author: Sy Montgomery
ISBN-10: 0618916458
ISBN-13: 9780618916450
Publisher: Clarion Books
Language: English
Published: 09/01/2009
Pages: 80
Format: Library Binding
Weight: 1.43lbs
Size: 9.10h x 11.22w x 0.53d

Accelerated Reader:
Reading Level: 5.5
Point Value: 3
Interest Level: Middle Grade
Quiz #/Name: 131941 / Saving the Ghost of the Mountain: An Expedition Among Snow Leopards in Mongolia

Award: Capitol Choices: Noteworthy Books for Children and Teens - Recommended

Review Citation(s):
Bulletin of Ctr for Child Bks 09/01/2009
Kirkus Review - Children 09/01/2009
School Library Journal 10/01/2009 pg. 150
Horn Book Magazine 11/01/2009 pg. 697
SLJ's Best Books 12/01/2009 pg. 34
Hornbook Guide to Children 01/01/2010 - Superior,Well Above Average