The snow leopard is a big cat that inhabits the cold, mountainous regions of Central and South Asia.  They have been observed at elevations up to 15,000 feet (almost three miles above sea level).

It is estimated that there are less than 10,000 snow leopards in the wild.

The cat’s fur is grey-white with black spots on its head and neck, long legs and large front paws. The snow leopard’s fur is extremely thick, which helps protect it from the cold.

Scientific Name: Panthera uncia
Conservation Status: Vulnerable

Interesting Snow Leopard Facts

  • Snow leopards have physically adapted to the cold (thick fur and large paws).
  • They can leap up to 50 feet and easily move through snow up to three feet deep.
  • Snow leopards eat a fair amount of vegetation in addition to meat.
  • They have an extremely long tail – almost the length of their entire body.

More About the Snow Leopard

Physical Appearance

Snow leopard big cat factsSnow leopards have a stocky build with short legs, long tails, wide paws and round ears.  Some males can weigh up to 170 lbs., but most cats average between 60 lbs. and 120 lbs. Their fur ranges in color from a light grey to tan with dark spots, and grey or green eyes.  The underside of the cat is white. Snow leopards have very strong legs and can leap up to 50 feet. The cat’s long tail helps it balance on steep slopes and rocky terrain.

 

Habitat (Where Snow Leopards Live)

Snow Leopards range through several Asian countries, including China, India, Uzbekistan, Russia, Tajikistan, Pakistan, Mongolia, Kyrgyzstan Bhutan, Afghanistan and Kazakhstan.  The population in China is the largest, with an estimated 2,000 to 2,500 or more cats. They live in mountainous regions, usually above the tree line. During the winter they can be found in forest areas at lower altitudes. Like many wild cats, snow leopards lead a solitary existence.

Hunting & Prey (Diet)

The snow leopard preys on mountain sheep, Siberian ibex (wild goats), domestic livestock, rabbits and birds, with a preference for larger animals.  They also eat carrion (animals that are already dead), grass and twigs. They will attack and kill their prey with a bite to the neck, and then drag it to a safe location to eat.

How Snow Leopards Communicate

Snow leopard sounds include mewing, hissing, wailing and chuffing.

a snow leopard cubReproduction and Lifespan

Snow leopard cubs are born in dens hidden in rocky areas. Females are pregnant for approximately 90 to 100 days. Cubs will usually be born during the months of April and June. The mother will  remain with the cubs for an extended period of time, sometimes until they are almost two years of age. Snow leopards can live up to 18 years in the wild.

Snow Leopard Conservation

The most significant snow leopard conservation threat is poaching. They are killed for their fur and body pots. Other threats include retaliation livestock killing, the decline of prey populations and loss of habitat.

 

Find a snow leopard conservation organization…

 


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