Snow Leopard
Panthera uncia
AsiaMountains
About this species
Snow leopards are elusive big cats adapted to the harsh, high-altitude terrain of Central Asia's mountain ranges. Their thick, smoky-grey coats and wide, fur-covered paws act as natural snowshoes, while an exceptionally long tail helps with balance on steep rocky slopes and doubles as a wrap for warmth. Rarely seen by humans, they are sometimes called the 'ghost of the mountains' and rely on powerful hind legs to leap distances of up to 15 meters while hunting.
Fun fact
A snow leopard's tail is almost as long as its entire body.
Quick facts
- Diet
- Carnivore
- Conservation status
- Vulnerable
- Lifespan
- 15-18 years
- Weight
- 25-55 kg
- Length
- 1-1.3 m (plus tail)
- Top speed
- 55 km/h
- Population estimate
- ~4,000-6,500
