Scientific Name: Uncia uncia

In the high mountains of Asia a ghostly figure sits among the crags, its greenish eyes intently surveying the panorama. The striking beauty and physical power of this exotic cat have always produced awe and wonder in the human observer. The snow leopard (Pantherinae Uncia), ghost cat, snow tiger, cats of the Himalayas, or Ounce, is classified with the big cats, but shares some small cat characteristics. For example it does not roar like the big cats, nor can it purr like the smaller cats.

The snow leopard is often called the gray ghost and may soon become only a ghost if measures are not taken to stem the tide of poaching and habitat loss for this beautiful beyond description cat. In the words of biologist George Schaller, "When the last snow leopard has stalked among the crags, a spark of life will have gone, turning the mountains into stones of silence." Amongst all of the world's great cats, the snow leopard is probably the biggest mystery. Even the natives of the Himalayas refer to the snow leopard as the Ghost Leopard.

Snow leopard fur is one of the most valued and sought after furs in the world. Although the snow leopard is internationally recognized as an endangered species and hunting for fur is banned, the high prices paid for its fur continue to make the cat a prime target for poachers. Between the vicissitudes in the fur trade coupled with acceleration in habitat loss, the snow leopard's survival in the wild seems at best bleak.

The loss of genetic diversity due to inbreeding can also be a problem in zoos. Captive breeding programs are very important as a means of maintaining populations of snow leopards for 300 to 1,000 years, until such time as it is possible to reintroduce them to the wild. This period of survival in captivity has been referred to as the "demographic winter."

Behavior: The snow leopard's ability to remain undetected in its movement is primarily due to its cryptic colorations. Humans rarely see the snow leopard in its natural habitat. In the words of biologists, George Schaller, noted for close encounters with this leopard, the following is an account of a hunting snow leopard.... "She advanced slowly down the slope... . carefully placing each paw until she reached a boulder above the goat. . .then leaped to the ground. When the goat turned to flee, she lunged and with a snap clamped her teeth on its throat and grabbed the goat's shoulder with their massive paws."

Given the harsh environment in which it lives and the sparse amount of prey available, the snow leopard has probably never been common. The snow leopard in attitude is curious and calm. These cats are most aggressive on warm days from mid-morning until early evening when the day starts to cool. One study in Langu Gorge (Nepal), found the snow leopard to be crepuscular (active until 10:00 am and then again in late afternoon and evening). In central Asia, they tend to be more nocturnal. This may be due to an adaptation it developed because they are hunted by livestock farmers and poachers during daylight hours.

Although thought to be primarily solitary, the snow leopard might occupy joint territories in pairs and cooperate in hunting. Mostly the snow leopard is a solitary cat that prefers to hunt alone. The home ranges, which overlap, vary from 4 to 15 square miles; but this does not take into account the enormous vertical distances of mountains involved.

Did you know? ... that of all the world's great cats, the snow leopard is probably the biggest mystery? The cats are seldom seen by man in the wild because of the inaccessibility of their haunts and their nocturnal habits. The life span of the snow leopard in the wild is 10-12 years, in captivity however, 15-20 years is common. The snow leopard has rather a calm and curious attitude. Unlike other felines who often seem nervous and shy, the snow leopard very seldom is seen pacing in the wild or in captivity.

... that the snow leopard has to contend with extremes of climate and its coat varies from fine in the summer to thick in the winter. The surfaces of its paws are covered by a cushion of hair that increases the surface area, thus distributing the animal's weight more evenly over soft snow while protecting its soles from cold. Compared with other cats' the snow leopard's tail is longer in proportion to the actual body size.

... that poaching for skins and killings by herdsmen account for most of the deaths of the Ounce, although avalanches also take their toll on the cats. Snow leopard skins sell on the black market for about $60,000 per pelt.

Greatly Endangered: This species is in a very sharp decline and is being systematically killed or removed from its natural habitat. Its future looks bleak unless sanctuaries can be created to safeguard this extraordinary creature of immense solitude and peace.. .the "Gray Ghost" cat. In words of biologist George B. Schaller, "Suddenly I saw the snow leopard. Wisps of cloud moved between us, and she became a ghost creature, appearing and disappearing as if in a dream."

Ron Eldridge, BVS