Cat Facts
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The snow leopard (Panthera uncia) is an endangered species of cat that lives in the mountains of Central Asia. The snow leopard is rare and secretive, and inhabits a harsh, remote environment. Yet scientists have pieced together a remarkably detailed understanding of the cat's biology and the factors that threaten its survival. Click on the topics below to learn more about the snow leopard and how it lives.
Threats
Why snow leopard bones bring a high price on the black market...and other answers about why the snow leopard is in peril.
Physical Features
Why a snow leopard's tail is nearly as long as its body...and other characteristics that help the snow leopard survive in its harsh environment.
Habitat and Range
Why snow leopards prefer bare rock to lush forest...and other facts about where snow leopards live.
Life Cycle and Breeding
How many siblings a snow leopard cub grows up with...and other answers about snow leopard families.
Behavior
Why there's no word for a group of snow leopards...and other details about snow leopard habits.
Prey
Why dinner is a four-day event for snow leopards...and other facts about what snow leopards eat.
Population and Protections
Why China has more snow leopards than any other country...and other details about snow leopard numbers and the laws and treaties aimed at increasing them.
Snow Leopard Fact Sheet
Download the Snow Leopard Fact Sheet (421 Kb PDF) (requires the free Adobe Acrobat Reader).