Snow Leopard

The snow leopard is a powerfully built mountain cat with pale grey, densely furred pelage marked by dark rosettes and spots. Its broad paws distribute weight over snow, while short limbs, an enlarged nasal region and a very long, thick tail suit cold, steep terrain. The tail supplies balance during difficult climbs and can be wrapped around the body while resting. (Animal Diversity Web; Wikipedia, snow leopard species account)

Snow leopards inhabit alpine and subalpine mountains across Central Asia, usually on broken slopes, cliffs and ridgelines. A large portion of their range lies in China, particularly Xinjiang, Tibet, Sichuan, Qinghai and Gansu. They are solitary and most active around dawn and twilight. Blue sheep are important prey, alongside ibex, argali, marmots, hares, pikas, voles and birds. (Animal Diversity Web)