Species

The Snow Leopard (Uncia uncia or Panthera uncia), is a large cat native to the mountain ranges of central Asia. The taxonomic position of this species has been subject to change. In the past, many taxonomists included the Snow Leopard in the genus Panthera, with several of the other largest felids, but later it was placed in its own genus, Uncia. However, most recent molecular studies place the species firmly within the genus Panthera, although the exact position remains unclear.

Along with the Clouded Leopard, it represents an intermediate between so-called big cats and smaller specimens as it can neither roar nor purr. Well known for its beautiful fur, the Snow Leopard has a soft grey coat with ringed spots and rosettes of black on brown. Its tail is heavy with fur and the bottom of its paws are covered with fur for protection against snow and cold.

Snow leopards are found only in the mountains of central Asia and the Himalayas. It is estimated that there are about 4,510-7,350 snow leopards. The total potential snow leopard habitat is about 1,835,000 km 2 in 12 snow leopard range countries. In addition, some 600-700 animals survive in zoos around the world.
In Nepal, snow leopards are distributed along its northern frontier. Of these, the districts of Mustang, Mugu, Dolpo and Humla feature prominently for snow leopard populations. A habitat suitability index model of snow leopard habitat in Nepal 's northern frontier suggests an estimated population of 350-500 animals in Nepal, constituting one-tenth of the world's snow leopard population.

Snow leopard presence has been suggested in 8 mountain protected areas of Nepal. They are Annapurna Conservation Area, Shey Phuksundo National Park , Kangchenjunga Conservation Area, Manaslu Conservation Area, Makalu Barun National Park , Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve, Sgarmatha National Park and Langtang National Park .

WWF radio collars elusive snow leopard in Pakistan "For the first time ever, scientists captured and radio collared a snow leopard in northern Pakistan, with the hope of learning more about this endangered cat species"