Can YOU spot the snow leopards – even if there is no snow?

Well-camouflaged snow leopards can be almost impossible to spot in their mountainous setting – but can you spot the elusive “ghost cats” in these stunning images?

Ismail Shariff, 41, is a wildlife photographer who specializes in capturing these mysterious creatures in their natural environment.

Mr. Shariff’s collection of images has been taken over the past eight years in the Spiti region of Himachal Pradesh, India. His tricky pictures have earned him the title “The Snow Leopard Man of India”.

Can you spot the snow leopards in the pictures below?

A rocky outcrop in the Spiti region of Himachal Pradesh, India. Can you spot the elusive snow leopard in this image?

The global snow leopard population is estimated at between 3,500 and 7,000, according to the Snow Leopard Conservancy India Trust. The big cats are hiding somewhere in this picture

According to the Snow Leopard Trust, the snow leopard can rest or sleep for up to 18 hours a day. How many of the rare mountain creatures can you find in this picture?

Himachal Pradesh in the western Himalayas offers high snow-capped mountains, deep gorges, densely forested valleys and large lakes. The snow leopard has thick gray and yellow-tinged fur that helps it blend in with its surroundings

Mr Shariff said: “Seeing them in their natural environment in the world takes a trained eye, but every time I do it’s like seeing one for the first time.”

He admits that even leading a snow leopard photo expedition, despite his experience, he still had trouble spotting them.

Snow leopards scale steep mountainsides in Central Asia and blend into the landscape. They are threatened by habitat loss and degradation from climate change and human encroachment, retaliatory killings resulting from human-wildlife conflict, reduced prey, and poaching.

Snow leopards are found in a vast range of the high mountains of northern and central Asia, including the Himalayan region.

In the Himalayas, the majestic cats live in high alpine areas. They inhabit 12 countries around the world – including China, Bhutan, Nepal, India, Pakistan, Russia and Mongolia.

The mysterious “ghost cats” are known for their distinctive meows, grunts, and moans. The magnificent creatures purr as they exhale.

The leopards are often solitary but band together to hunt in pairs – usually mating pairs. They hunt wild animals such as the Himalayan blue sheep, the Himalayan tahr, argali and wild goats.

However, the beasts have been known to target farm animals as well, meaning they can become victims of angry farmers themselves.

Snow leopards are almost impossible to spot to the untrained eye, but once you see them you can see just how good their camouflage really is.

Revealed: Did you find the creatures circled below?

There are four snow leopards in the picture. It is rare to see even one of these beautiful creatures

Snow leopards effortlessly scale the large, steep mountainsides of Central Asia, blending harmoniously into the landscape. Here are two of the big cats camouflaged against their surroundings

Snow leopards face many threats, including habitat loss and degradation from climate change and human encroachment, retaliatory killings resulting from human-wildlife conflict, reduced prey, and poaching. Did you spot these two creatures in the picture above?

Snow leopards are found in 12 countries – including China, Bhutan, Nepal, India, Pakistan, Russia and Mongolia. An incredible six snow leopards can be seen in this image