Scientific Name
Panthera uncia
Habitat
High-altitude rocky mountains, alpine meadows, and cliffs (3,000–5,000 m)
Diet
Carnivorous — blue sheep, ibex, marmots, hares
Range
Himalayan regions of India, Nepal, Bhutan, and Central Asia
Conservation Status
Vulnerable (IUCN Red List)
Estimated Population
~700 (India, 2024 estimate)
About the Snow Leopard
The Snow Leopard, often called the “Ghost of the Mountains,” is one of the most elusive big cats on Earth. Perfectly adapted to the icy slopes of the Himalayas, its thick smoky-grey fur and long tail help it survive the extreme cold and maintain balance on rugged cliffs.
Snow leopards are solitary and mainly nocturnal, traveling vast ranges across Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Sikkim. Their incredible camouflage makes them nearly invisible against rocky terrain.
Despite their strength, they face threats from poaching, climate change, and loss of prey. India’s Project Snow Leopard and high-altitude community programs aim to protect both these cats and the fragile Himalayan ecosystem they guard.
🐾 Snow leopards can leap over 15 meters in a single bound — nearly the length of a school bus!
Data Sources: IUCN Red List • WWF India • Project Snow Leopard (MoEFCC)
Photo Credits: Unsplash / Wikimedia Commons
Photo Credits: Unsplash / Wikimedia Commons