Snow Leopard
Panthera uncia
Conservation Status
Near ThreatenedMammalia · Carnivora · Felidae
About
The snow leopard is a species of large cat in the genus Panthera of the family Felidae. It is native to the mountain ranges of Central and South Asia, ranging from eastern Afghanistan, the Himalayas and the Tibetan Plateau to southern Siberia, Mongolia and western China. It inhabits alpine and subalpine zones at elevations of 3,000–4,500 m (9,800–14,800 ft), but also lives at lower elevations in the northern part of its range. It is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List because the global population is estimated to number fewer than 10,000 mature individuals and is expected to decline about 10% by 2040. It is mainly threatened by poaching and habitat destruction due to infrastructural development projects. The snow leopard is legally protected in most range countries. It is widely depicted in the culture of Kyrgyzstan.
Fun Fact
Snow leopards can leap up to 15 metres (50 ft) horizontally in a single bound and use their thick, metre-long tails as a counterbalance on steep slopes — they also wrap the tail around their face for warmth while sleeping.
Quick Facts
Habitat
Alpine and subalpine zones
Diet
Carnivore
Lifespan
10-13 years
Threats
- Climate Change
- Illegal Wildlife Trade
- Infrastructure Development