Snow Leopard

Snow leopards, often called “ghosts of the mountains,” are elusive predators inhabiting the remote and rugged highlands of Central and South Asia. These big cats are perfectly adapted to life at altitudes of up to 18,000 feet, where temperatures can plummet well below freezing. Their thick, pale-gray fur with dark rosettes provides both warmth and camouflage in their rocky environment.

Primarily solitary, snow leopards are highly territorial and rely on their stealth to hunt wild sheep, goats, and smaller mammals. They are capable of leaping over 50 feet to ambush prey in steep terrain. However, their habitats are shrinking due to climate change, mining, and human encroachment.

Conservation initiatives like the Snow Leopard Trust are working to protect this endangered species by partnering with local communities to promote coexistence and reduce human-wildlife conflict.