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Uncia uncia Snow leopard Rocky Mountains in winter Montana, United States of America (A captive trained animal used for photography and filming) © Klein & Hubert / WWF
© Klein & Hubert / WWF

1. They’re well adapted to their cold environment

Snow leopards have spotted white-greyish fur that keeps them well insulated in cold weather – it can be 5cm long on their back and sides and almost 12cm long on their belly. A snow leopard's tail can reach up to 80-105cm long, which is thought to help with balance, as well as wrap around its body for added warmth.

Snow leopard with blue sheep
© Jed Weingarten / Wild Wonders of China / WWF

2. In Nepal, their main prey are blue sheep…which aren’t actually blue

The snow leopard's main prey in Nepal - blue sheep - will provide one snow leopard with food for a week. Besides blue sheep, snow leopards feed on the ibex, Himalayan tahr, marmot, pika, hares, small rodents and game birds.

Snow leopard (Panthera uncia)
© Reinhard / ARCO / naturepl.com

3. High altitude acrobats

Snow leopards live in high-altitude mountainous terrain, usually at elevations of 3,000-4,500m. They prefer steep, broken landscapes such as cliffs, rocky outcrops and ravines. Snow leopards have short forelimbs and long hind legs, which allow them to traverse and stay agile in their steep and rugged environments.

Snow leopard cub yawning
© naturepl.com / Andy Rouse / WWF

4. They can’t roar

Unlike other big cats, snow leopards can't roar. Snow leopards have a 'main' call described as a 'piercing yowl' that's so loud it can be heard over the roar of a river. 

Snow leopard (Panthera uncia)
© David Lawson / WWF-UK

5. They’re more closely related to tigers than they are leopards

Despite being called the snow 'leopard', this big cat is more closely related to the tiger than the leopard. 

Snow leopard
© Ola Jennersten / WWF-Sweden

6. Their paws act as natural snowshoes

The wide, fur-covered paws of a snow leopard serve as natural snowshoes, helping to distribute its weight over soft snow and protect it from the cold.

Snow leopard camera trap image, India
© National Geographic Stock / Steve Winter / WWF

7. They can nearly cover the distance of a marathon in one night

Snow leopards can travel over an incredible 25 miles in a single night. 

Snow leopard camouflage
© David Lawson / WWF-UK

8. They’re well disguised

Snow leopards are really well camouflaged! Their long fur and less distinctive markings that seem to change shape with body movement make identifying individual snow leopards difficult compared to other big cats like tigers, leopards and jaguars, which have more distinctive markings.  

Snow Leopard Running through snow
© naturepl.com / Andy Rouse / WWF

9. Long jump champions

The snow leopard would do well in most athletic events, it’s best potentially being the long jump. Some snow leopards have been known to leap up to 9 metres - 6 times their body length!

A pair of snow leopards
© naturepl.com / Andy Rouse / WWF

10. They’re under threat from human activity

There could be as few as 4,000 leopards in the wild, however the exact number is unknown as they are extremely elusive. The main threats they face are habitat loss and deterioration, human-wildlife conflict, loss of prey, poaching for the illegal trade, and climate change. As a result, snow leopards really need our help, WWF is working alongside communities, Governments and other organisations to address some of the threats snow leopards face. 

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© Andy Robert Davies

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Watch our YouTube video about Snow leopards

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