Snow Leopard

Uncia Uncia

Scientific Name

Snow Leopard:  
Uncia Uncia

Distribution and Habitat

Geographic Range

Mountains of central Asia, parts of Siberia and the Himalayan Mountains, usually above 8,000 feet.

Natural Habitat

The snow leopard inhabits rocky mountain sides above the tree line and usually below the snow line.

Physical Characteristics

  • The fur coloration is whitish or grayish with a pattern of dark and indistinct rosettes on the upper parts. Well adapted to living in harsh climate, the snow leopard’s long, thick coat is two inches thick along the back and tail and four inches thick on the belly to protect it from the cold. The feet are large and fur covered to help in locomotion across snow.

Quick Facts

  1. Snow leopards will wrap their tails around their face when sleeping in the winter to avoid frostbite.

  2. There are only between 4,000 and 6,500 snow leopards left in the wild.

  3. It has been hunted for its fur and shot because it kills livestock.

Exhibit

Vanishing Animals North

Conservation Status

Critically Endangered: The Snow Leopard is facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild.

Help Us End Extinction

Adoption is simple. Show how much you care about animals all year round by selecting your favorite animal from our adoption list.

Become A Hero

Diet

Carnivore

In the wild, they feed on ibex, markhor, wild sheep, and birds. In human care they receive organ meat (primarily beef heart), chicken, or beef..