Panthera uncia (Snow leopard)

Panthera uncia , commonly known as the snow leopard, is a large cat found in the mountains of Central Asia, from the Himalayas to the mountain steppes of Mongolia and southern Siberia. Adapted to one of the most extreme environments on the planet, this elusive predator is a symbol of alpine regions and one of the most enigmatic species within the Panthera genus.

Robust yet agile, Panthera uncia measures between 90 and 130 centimeters in body length, with a remarkably long tail—up to one meter—that serves an essential function for balance on rough terrain and also as a thermal blanket when wrapped around the body while resting. Its weight ranges between 25 and 55 kilograms, although at extreme altitudes specimens tend to be lighter due to the scarcity of prey and harsher conditions. Its body is covered with dense, long, and soft fur, ranging in shades of light gray to creamy white, with dark rosette-shaped spots scattered across the body, allowing it to blend perfectly among the snowy rocks.

The snow leopard's physical adaptations are remarkable: it has large nostrils that allow it to warm cold air before it reaches the lungs, broad, furry paws that act like snowshoes for moving through the snow, and a powerful skull with a robust jaw capable of bringing down prey much larger than itself, such as ibex, Himalayan tar, or bharals (blue sheep). It also feeds on small mammals, birds, and carrion when conditions require it.

Unlike other members of the Panthera family , Panthera uncia does not roar. Although anatomically related to the roaring big cats, its larynx is more similar in structure to that of smaller cats, limiting its vocal capacity to sounds such as growls, meows, hisses, and a distinctive high-pitched "call." It is a solitary and territorial animal, with home ranges that can exceed 100 square kilometers, especially in habitats with low prey density.

The snow leopard's behavior is primarily crepuscular, although it can be active throughout the day. It is a stealthy and patient hunter, taking advantage of the elevations and uneven terrain to stalk from above before launching a swift and accurate attack. Its leap is prodigious: it can reach distances of up to 15 meters in a single burst, allowing it to move between cliffs and crags with incredible dexterity.

Classified as vulnerable by the IUCN, Panthera uncia faces significant threats: poaching for its valuable skin and bones, habitat loss due to human grazing, and population fragmentation due to climate change. Despite its difficulty in being observed in the wild, significant progress has been made in monitoring it using camera traps and GPS collars, which have revealed unknown aspects of its ecology and movements.

Approximate measurements of the Leopard:

• Scale 1:24 - Complete
• Length 68 mm
• Height 56 mm
• Width 37 mm
• Snout-tail base length 55 mm

• Scale 1:10 - Complete
• Length 163 mm
• Height 134 mm
• Width 88 mm
• Snout-tail base length 132 mm