Quick answer
The snow leopard is a rare big cat native to the high mountains of Central and South Asia, including the Himalayas. Superbly adapted to cold, rugged terrain, it has thick fur, a long tail for balance, and can leap up to 15 m (50 ft). Wild snow leopards typically live 10 to 12 years.
Key takeaway
The snow leopard is a rare big cat native to the high mountains of Central and South Asia, including the Himalayas. Superbly adapted to cold, rugged terrain, it has thick fur, a long tail for balance, and can leap up to 15 m (50 ft). Wild snow leopards typically live 10 to 12 years.
Snow Leopard overview
Snow Leopard (Panthera uncia) is a mammal listed here as Vulnerable. Typical weight 22–55 kg (49–121 lb); lifespan around 10–12 years in the wild.
Snow Leopard ecology
Diet: Carnivore. Habitat: High mountains and alpine zones. Movement and social systems reflect those pressures across the native range.
Snow Leopards and people
Learn before you travel or keep related pets. Wild snow leopards are not toys; captive care needs species-specific husbandry.
Status and further reading
Conservation label in our guides: Vulnerable. See the full Snow Leopard profile for taxonomy, FAQs, and related topic guides on this site.
Built for the cold and the heights
Snow leopards are perfectly adapted to harsh mountain life. Thick fur and a dense undercoat keep them warm, wide furry paws act like snowshoes, and an extremely long, thick tail helps them balance on steep terrain and wraps around the body like a blanket when resting. They can leap up to six times their body length.
A solitary hunter
Snow leopards are solitary and secretive, so rarely seen that they are nicknamed the ghost of the mountains. They ambush prey such as blue sheep and ibex on steep slopes, using the terrain to launch surprise attacks, and a single large kill can feed a snow leopard for days.
Sources
Snow Leopard FAQs
What are key facts about snow leopards?
The snow leopard is a rare big cat native to the high mountains of Central and South Asia, including the Himalayas. Superbly adapted to cold, rugged terrain, it has thick fur, a long tail for balance, and can leap up to 15 m (50 ft). Wild snow leopards typically live 10 to 12 years.
What is the scientific name of the snow leopard?
Panthera uncia — used in research and conservation listings for snow leopards.
What do snow leopards eat?
Snow Leopards are described as carnivores, with seasonal and regional variation in High mountains and alpine zones.
Where do snow leopards live?
They are associated with High mountains and alpine zones. Local presence depends on food, cover, and human land use.
What is the conservation status of snow leopards?
Listed in our guides as Vulnerable. Check the IUCN Red List and national assessments for the latest formal category.