Profile: snow leopard

Scientific name: Panthera uncia

Family: Felidae (felines)

Body length: 100 to 130 cm

Tail: 78 to 105 cm

Shoulder height: Fully grown male about 60 cm, females are smaller

Weight: 37 to 60 kg (males), 35 to 42 kg (females)

Fur: Thick, mottled greyish-beige with a long undercoat

Life expectancy: Up to 13 years, in captivity 8 to 21 years

Sexual maturity: Aged 2 to 3 years

Mating season: January to March (females are receptive for 2 to 12 days)

Gestation: About 100 days

Litter size: 2 - 3 cubs

Social structure: Solitary

Diet: Small to medium-sized ungulates (hoofed animals), small mammals and occasionally birds

Habitat: High steppes and rocky terrain above the treeline (2700-5000 m above sea level)

Population: The total population worldwide is estimated at 4000 to 6400 animals