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The snow leopard or ounce (Panthera uncia syn. Uncia uncia) is a large cat native to the mountain ranges of Central and South Asia. It is listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species because, as of 2003, the size of the global population was estimated at 4,080–6,590 adults, of which fewer than 2,500 individuals may reproduce in the wild.[1]
Drawing from the latest available data, the Global Snow Leopard and Eco-System Protection Program (GSLEP)[3] uses an estimate of between 3,920 and 6,390 individuals in the wild.
A book chapter published in 2016 by Peter Zahler et al. indicates that the number of wild snow leopards may currently be between 4,700 and 8,700 individuals, raising the numbers of the population across 44 percent of their range.[4] However, the scientific validity of this higher estimate has been put in question by other conservation scientists.[4][5]
Snow leopards inhabit alpine and subalpine zones at elevations from 3,000 to 4,500 m (9,800 to 14,800 ft). In the northern range countries, they also occur at lower elevations.[6]
Taxonomically, the snow leopard was classified as Uncia uncia since the early 1930s.[2] Based on genotyping studies, the cat has been considered a member of the genus Panthera since 2008.[1][7] Two subspecies have been attributed, but genetic differences between the two have not been settled.[1]
The snow leopard is the National Heritage Animal of Afghanistan and Pakistan.[8]
When we first saw these leopards they were pacing about a bit but soon settled down and just sat patiently for us to take our pictures .. !
Harry and Kira Victoria are the two snow leopards at Zoo New England's Stone Zoo in Stoneham, MA. They were really enjoying the perfume that the keeper sprayed on the rocks.
Taken at Sabi Sabi Game Reserve, South Africa.
CANON EOS 7D | CANON EF 28-300mm/1:3,5-5,6 L IS USM | ADOBE LIGHTROOM 3.