The snow leopard's scientific name is "Panthera uncia." They are most commonly found in the Himalaya and Altai mountains, on steep slopes with bluffs, broken off ridges, or valleys with cliffs, at altitudes between 2000 and 6000 meters.

An average male snow leopard weighs 100 to 120 pounds. A female weighs up to to 88 pounds. Both usually grow to a height of 60 centimeters. The snow leopard's long tail helps it keep it's balance. This particular cat is not that good at camouflaging.

The snow leopard does not roar like the commonly known lion, and some other cats. It's vocal cord is not as developed as most felines.

snow leopard sitting on a rock

Picture to the left courtesy of community.webshots.com

The snow leopard is an endangered species. This is because the animal's food source is getting scarce. If a leopard goes after a farmers' livestock, chances are, it will get shot. Snow leopard coats are another reason why this magnificent animal is slowly disappearing. Each coat is being sold for around $60, 000.

Snow leopards most common source of food are mountain goats and wild sheep. They also eat smaller mammals, such as marmots. A snow leopard is capable of killing prey up to three times their own weight. The cat is mainly nocturnal, so they tend to sneak up on their pray at night, and when close enough, leap on to the animals back in order to grab its neck. Snow leopards usually hunt alone.

There are only about 3000 snow leopards left alive in the whole world.