The snow leopard’s powerful build allows it to scale great steep slopes with ease. The  hind legs of the snow leopard gives it the ability to leap six times the length of its body. A long tail provides the balance and agility and also wraps around the resting snow leopard as protection from the cold.

This magnificent cat was previously the king of the mountains.  The mountains were rich with their prey such as blue sheep, argali wild sheep, bex pickes and hares. Snow leopards are found in 12 countries—including China, Bhutan, Nepal, India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Russia, and Mongolia—but their population is dropping.

Snow leopards play a key role as both top predator and as an indicator of the health of their high-altitude habitat. If snow leopards thrive, so will countless other species.

STATUS: VULNERABLE

POPULATION : total estimated 4,080-6,590

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Panthera Uncia

By Ellie & Imogen