Endangered snow leopard calls out to mark territory in 'extremely rare' video

Scene was captured using specialist remote field cameras

An endangered snow leopard has been filmed calling out in the wild in “extremely rare” footage.

The stunning video was captured using specialist remote field cameras, which were set up along nature trails in the Karakoram Mountains in northern Pakistan.

The high-definition cameras are being used for scientific research and to track and monitor the wild snow leopard population in the region.

“It is extremely unusual and special to be able to get such clear footage of a snow leopard vocalising in the wild” said Dr John Knight of the of the White Lion Foundation, who released the footage.

“The adult male is exercising his vocal calls to establish territory and to let females know he is in the area.”

Leopards usually live in such remote locations that capturing footage of this kind is very difficult.

The snow leopard is one of the world's most endangered big cats. There are an estimated 4,000 to 7,500 left in the wild, and over the last decade an average of one a day is believed to have been killed.