With an estimated 2700 – 3300 Snow Leopards left in the wild, the IUCN conservation status is now classed as ‘vulnerable’ rather than ‘endangered’ following a worldwide conservation effort, however, numbers are still recognised as being in decline. These wonderful creatures prowl at high-altitudes ranging from 3,000 and 5,000 meters in the harsh terrains of Central Asia.
IUCN Listing: Vulnerable
At a vulnerable risk of becoming extinct in the wild
Fact File
Native Range
Himalayan mountains in central Asia and Tibetan plateau of China
Natural Habitat
Mountainous regions
Diet
Carnivorous: mainly blue sheep and Siberian ibex
Life Expectancy
In the wild: 10 – 12 years
In zoos: Up to 20 years
Breeding
Gestation period:
3-3.5 months. Between 2 – 5 cubs
Group Name
No group name due to wild Snow Leopards being solitary animals outside of mating season
Active Hours
Dusk and dawn
Threats
Hunting / Poaching, Loss of habitat, Decline in prey
Fun Fact
Despite being called the snow ‘leopard’, this species is more closely related to the tiger than the leopard!