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Snow Leopard
Panthera uncia
The snow leopard is often called “the ghost cat of the Himalayas” because its stealth and its camouflage coat make it extremely difficult to spot in its native snowy forest habitat.
Range & Habitat
Alpine meadows and mountainous regions of central Asia ranging from Russia and Mongolia through China and into the Himalayan regions of Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India.
Conservation Status: Vulnerable
Vulnerable due to poaching and habitat loss.
Diet
In the Wild: Wild sheep, goats, hares, mice, marmots, pika, game birds, and domestic livestock.
At the Zoo: Meat and a rabbit once a week.
Life Span
In the Wild: 10-12 years; In Human Care: Up to 20 years.
Fun Facts about the Snow Leopard
- The snow leopard is somewhere between the small cats and the great cats in that they can’t purr like the small cats and they can’t roar like the true big cats. They moan when attracting a mate and greet each other with a “chuffing” sound.
- Snow leopards can bring down prey that is 3 times their weight. They kill a large animal twice a month on average and eat slowly while protecting the kill from scavengers until they are finished with it.
- Snow leopards are faced with harsh weather conditions at times. They have a thick bushy tail that they can use to wrap around themselves and lock in warmth during these conditions.
Sources
Snow Leopard. (2018). Retrieved May 26, 2020, from https://senecaparkzoo.org/animal-pages/snow-leopard/?gclid=CjwKCAjw_LL2BRAkEiwAv2Y3SZ2zbdj0HBiJNAfbmbn2i_atJh3TByOPIK4qa7E0epSWi8Jm1hEd1xoC5_YQAvD_BwE
Snow Leopard. (2020). Retrieved May 26, 2020, from https://animals.sandiegozoo.org/animals/snow-leopard
Snow Leopard. (2020). Retrieved May 26, 2020, from https://www.worldwildlife.org/species/snow-leopard
Updated June 13, 2023
Location:
Wildlife Trail
