Snow Leopard is one of the magnificent big cat species found on Earth.

The Scientific Name: Uncia uncia

Where is it found?

Snow Leopards are found in the high altitude regions of Central and South Asia. They are distribued in the countries: Afghanistan, Bhutan, China, India, Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Mongolia, Nepal, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. They live between 3,000 and 5,500 metres above sea level in the rocky mountain ranges of these countries. The montain ranges include Hindukush, Tian Shan, Karakoram, Kashmir and the Himalayan. It is also found in the couthern Siberian region. In summers they live in the high altitudes of the mountains and during winters they come down to forests of altitude between 1000 meters to 2000 meters. They prefer broken terrains and can easily travel in snow up to 85 centimetres deep.

How does it live?

The snow leopards are carnivores and very intelligent hunters. Their prey includes from small animals like hares, birds to large size animals wild goats, sheep, deers. They normally ambush the prey and kill with a bite on the neck. The initial leap during hunting may be as far as 15 meters!
The Snow Leopards mate in late winter. The gestation period is 90-100 days. It usually gives birth to 2-3 cubs.

How does it look?

Snow Leopards generally weigh between 27 and 54 kilograms and grow from 75 to 130 centimeter in body length(excluding the tail). It is smaller in size compared to other big cats. Snow leopards have long thick fur, the base colour of which varies from smoky grey to yellowish tan, with whitish underparts. They have dark grey to black open rosettes on their body with small spots of the same color on their heads and larger spots on their legs and tail. Unusually among cats, their eyes are pale green or grey in colour.