Snow Leopard in Tibet 2024

Snow leopards are one of the most endangered species in the world. The global population of these cats varies from 4,000 to 8,700 individuals. Their native habitats are at elevations of around 4,000 m. About 60% of this species lives on the Tibetan Plateau, in the north at Altyn-Tagh.

Snow leopards are a little smaller than other big cats, weighing from 27 to 55 kg. They have a short body from 75 to 150 cm from head to the base of the tail. But the tail itself is quite long around 80-100 cm.

They are suited for living in the cold and snowy landscape. They have long, thick fur that keeps them warm, wide paws for walking on snow, and their long tail helps to maintain needed balance. These cats are mainly smokey gray or yellowish with smaller and bigger spots. A curious fact is that snow leopards can't roar, they make various sounds like hisses, chuffing, mews, and wailing. April and June are the time when small cubs are born. As the hiking season runs roughly from April through November, these are the months when you might encounter the snow leopard.