SNOW LEOPARD

Taxonomically, snow leopards were initially classified in the monotypic genus Uncia. However, phylogenetic studies have since placed them within the Panthera genus. Although two subspecies were described based on morphological differences, genetic differences between these two have not been confirmed. Thus, the snow leopard is generally regarded as a monotypic species. In 2017, phylogeographic analysis suggested three subspecies:

• P. u. uncia: Western group (Tian Shan, Pamir, trans-Himalaya region)
• P. u. irbis: Northern group found in Altai region of Mongolia
• P. u. uncioides: Central group inhabiting the Himalayas and Qinghai (Tibetan Plateau)

This classification has seen both support and contestation among researchers. Additionally, an extinct subspecies, Panthera uncia pyrenaica (Arago or European Snow Leopard) was described in 2022 based on fossil materials found in France.

Despite its name, the snow 'leopard' is more closely related to the tiger than the leopard. According to genetic studies, the common ancestor of snow leopards and tigers diverged from the lineage of big cats about 3.9 million years ago, and snow leopards diverged from tigers about 3.2 million years ago.

An adult snow leopard measures 1,000 to 1,300 mm from nose to tail, with a tail length of 800 to 1,000 mm equaling roughly 75% to 90% of total body length. This extremely long tail is used for balance in the steep and rocky terrain in which they live, but it can also be used to cover their extremities during harsh winter weather.

Adults weigh 35 to 45 kg on average, with a total range of 25 to 75 kg across the species. It stands about 0.6 metre (2 feet) high at the shoulder. The species has no obvious sexual dimorphism, but males may be slightly larger than females in general. Snow leopards have extremely large paws in comparison to other felids, which serves as an adaptation for walking on snow (often known as snowshoes).

The base fur color can vary from light gray to smoke gray to cream-yellow, with a white tint on the underbody. Greyish black spots and rosettes cover the entire body. Rosettes are larger rings that encircle smaller spots that only appear on the body and tail, whereas solid spots appear on the head, neck, and lower limbs.

No one has exact count of snow leopards in wild because of their elusive nature and harsh terrain. As estimated population of 3,500-7,000 snow leopards exist across 12 range countries of Asia.

Snow leopards have a large geographic range of about 2.3 million square kilometres and are widely but sporadically distributed throughout Central Asia's high mountain ranges. Their range extends through various countries including Afghanistan, Bhutan, China, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Nepal, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, with China holding approximately 60% of their ranges.

Snow leopards prefer bedding areas that are steep, rocky, and broken, especially near a landform edge with natural vegetation. For daytime resting, cliffs and major ridgelines are preferred. Snow leopards live in alpine and subalpine zones at elevations ranging from 900 to 5,500 meters or higher, but mostly between 3,000 and 4,500 meters (9,800–14,800 feet). Their preferred habitats include rocky outcrops, cliff sides, and ridges, which provide excellent camouflage and hunting grounds for these cats.

Polygynous mating system. Breeding occurs in wild snow leopards during the late winter months of January to March.

• Average gestation period: 90-105 days
• Average litter size: 2 (range 1 to 5)
• Average lifespan: 12-18 years in wild, up to 25 years in captivity

Snow leopards are solitary creatures, with females spending the majority of their time with their cubs. In Nepal, home range sizes range from 4.6-15.4 square miles to over 193 square miles in Mongolia. Snow leopards are crepuscular, which means they are most active at dawn and dusk. They are also highly mobile, moving from one location to another on a daily basis and changing their bedding site several times throughout the day. Snow leopards can travel up to 25 miles in a single night.

Snow leopards do not roar, but they have a diverse range of vocalizations, including purring. They also meow, moan, yowl, and chuff, also known as prusten. When females are in heat, they yowl, and chuffing could be a way of greeting another snow leopard.

Snow leopards are carnivorous and can kill prey three to four times their own weight, but they will readily accept much smaller prey in times of need. The blue sheep is its preferred prey. Markhor, ibex, tahrs, musk deer, wild pig, wild donkeys and yaks, Tibetan antelope, and Tibetan gazelles are also taken. They also predate on voles, birds, marmots, and even mice. In areas with low density of natural prey, the snow leopard thrives on domestic livestock.

The snow leopard is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List due to an estimated global population of fewer than 10,000 mature individuals, which is expected to decline by about 10% by 2040.

• Poaching
• Habitat loss
• Declines in natural prey species
• Retaliatory killings
• Climate change crisis
• Lack of protection and monitoring
• Lack of awareness and support