Snow Leopard
- scientific name
:
Panthera uncia - top speed
:
55 km/h - order
:
Carnivora
Size
The snow leopard is a large felid of the genus Panthera. It is muscular, with a long body, relatively short legs and a broad head. Its fur is pale gray with dark rosette-shaped markings.
LifeSpan
Snow leopards live 10-12 years on average in the wild. In captivity with proper care, they can live over 20 years.
Conservation Status
Classified as Vulnerable by IUCN. Snow leopards face threats from poaching, prey loss, habitat degradation, and conflict with humans.
Distribution
Snow leopards are found at high elevations across 12 Central Asian countries. Their remote mountain habitat provides refuge but poses monitoring challenges.
Coevolution
Local cultures imbue the snow leopard with mythological qualities of divinity, spirituality and ferocity. Their adapted beauty and survival in harsh conditions also garners respect.
Nutrition
Snow leopards are carnivores dependent on wild mountain prey like ibex, argali, markhor, marmots and hares. They hunt using stealth, opportunism and dexterity in rugged terrain.
Lifestyle
Snow leopards lead solitary lives except for mating purposes. They communicate using scraping and scent markings. Their camouflage and elusiveness make them difficult to observe and study in the wild.