Snow Leopard

Description: Slightly smaller than an African or Asian leopard weighing between 35 and 55 Kg. Snow leopards have an exceptionally long tail which aids in balance as well as a face warmer during snow storms. They also have large paws which act as snow shoes helping them walk on the soft snow. They have the distinctive leopard rosettes on a thick grey-white fur. Their prey includes wild and domestic animals which can be as much as three time their own body weight.

Distribution: Snow leopards are found at high altitudes in the Himalaya Mountains of Central and South Asia.

Level of protection: With an estimated 6,000 to 7,000 individuals found in the wild today, they have been placed on the “Red list” of threatened species as “endangered”. Snow leopards are killed by goat herders and by poachers for their prized pelts. They are only recently been seen as a tourist attraction and hopefully this will help to save this remarkable animal from extinction.

Best time to see snow leopard: The best time of year is winter, as this is when the cats descend from the mountains in search of prey. Please contact us for more details.

Safaris: One of the best areas for spotting snow leopards is Ladakh in Northern India. Find out more about our snow leopard safaris, see upcoming trips and learn about accommodation.