Description
Adults reach between 900-1350 mm and weigh approximately 50kg. Fur is long and woolly and protects the cat from the extreme cold of its mountainous habitat.

Diet
The snow leopard’s main prey is that of wild sheep such as the Bharal (blue sheep) and Argali, goats, including Markhor and Ibex.

Location
Found in the mountainous areas of central Asia, ranging from Russia and Mongolia down through China and Tibet and into the Himalayan regions of Afghanistan, Pakistan and India

Habitat
Rocky terrain such as high valley ridges, rocky outcrops and mountain passes.

Defining features
Due to the under development of the snow leopard’s vocal apparatus, it cannot give a full, deep roar like many of the other big cats.

Numbers
Exact numbers left in the wild is unknown, but some estimates place the figure as low as 4,500 to 5,000.

Threats
The decline in population is mainly due to the snow leopard’s much sough after fur and local hunting and trapping still remains a threat.