SNOW LEOPARD FACTS

Snow leopards are large cats native to Southern and Central Asia. These cats stick to alpine and subalpine climates and their physical appearance shows. They are stocky in size, have thick fur and small rounded ears.

Snow leopards are solitary cats, except for the females with cubs. Their territories vary in size; however, can be upwards of 1000 square kilometres per 5 cats.

There is little is known about these cats because they are difficult to spot. Researchers are gathering more information by the use of better technologies and hidden camera traps.

Snow Leopard Facts & Tidbits

• Snow Leopards are carnivores and prey by opportunity.
• These cats mate late in the winter, with a gestation period of 90-100 days. Cubs are born between April and June. The average litter size is 2 cubs.
• It is estimated that the annual food requirement is up to 30 adult blue sheep.
• There are only 2 known snow leopard attacks on humans.
• Snow Leopards are very rarely seen. Throughout the mountainous regions, researchers have placed camera traps in order to gather more information about them.

Distribution

Snow Leopards are dispersed around the following countries: Siberia, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, India, Nepal, Bhutan, Tibet, Mongolia, Afganistan, Pakistan, Karakoram.

Status

IUCN Status: Endangered