Afghanistan Protects Snow Leopard

Afghanistan recently moved to protect a number of rare species that live within its borders. Among them, the large-billed reed warbler, the markhor, and the Snow Leopard. For those unfamiliar with the snow leopard, we recommend the amazing book of the same name by Peter Matthiessen (one of our literary all-stars). And if that's not enough, check out our Best Trips 2006 for a chance to see the animal in India.

— Jonah Ogles