Snow Leopard

A snow leopard (Panthera uncia) is a large, carnivorous cat native to the high-altitude mountains of Central and South Asia. Known for its smoky-gray fur with dark rosettes, it is a master of camouflage in its rocky habitat.

The snow leopard has a thick, smoky-gray to yellowish-tan coat with dark, open rosettes and spots that help it blend into the rocky, mountainous terrain. It has a stocky build, short ears, and a long, thick tail that can be nearly as long as its body. The tail is used for balance as the cat navigates steep, rugged slopes.

Snow leopards live in some of the most remote and inhospitable environments on Earth, at elevations of up to 18,000 feet. Their range extends across 12 countries, including China, Nepal, and Afghanistan. They are solitary and elusive predators, primarily hunting wild sheep and goats, such as argali and ibex. Their powerful legs and muscular body allow them to leap great distances to catch their prey.

The snow leopard is an endangered species. Its population is threatened by habitat loss, poaching for its fur and bones, and human-wildlife conflict. Because of its solitary nature and the difficult terrain it inhabits, it is a very difficult animal to study and protect.