Fragmented across Central Asia, China, and Tibet, snow leopards
(Uncia uncia) roam through mountain corridors and montane
habitats. Today, scientists think there are between 4,000 and
7,500 snow leopards exist in the wild with most of them living
within China. But accurate estimates are difficult to make when
dealing with this elusive master of camouflage in its
unwelcoming home. Snow leopards have developed many interesting
characteristics that help it survive in the cold, mountainous
terrain they call home. Their long tails help them balance on
steep, rocky terrain, and their large paws and furry feet act as
snow shoes in deep mountain snows. Living at heights of 2,000 to
6,000 kilometers, they also have special nasal cavities that
help them breath low-oxygen mountain air. Did you know? Snow
leopards can leap vertically 6-10 meters (20-30 feet). This
helps them hunt prey on steep, rocky mountainsides. Because food
is scarce at such high altitudes, snow leopards are solitary
animals, hunting and eating whate