The snow leopard or ounce is an endangered breed of large cats that are native to the mountain ranges of Central and South Asia. There are 2 subspecies.

Scientific Name – Panthera uncia

Classification – Panthera

Gender Names – Male – leopard; Female – leopardess; Baby – cub

Collective Noun – leap, prowl (also, spot, according to some)

Length/Size – 75 to 150 cm (30 to 60 in)

Weight – Between 27 and 55 kg (60 and 121 lb)

Top Speed – 55 mph

Life Expectancy – 15 – 18 years; up to 20 – 21 in captivity

Mating Season – Between December and March

Gestation Period – 101 days

Special Features – Relatively smaller than the other big cats

Social Structure – Solitary life, except for females with young and mating pairs

Geographical Distribution – Mountain ranges of Central and South Asia

Natural Habitat – Higher snow-covered altitudes

World Population – 4,080 – 8,700 (as of 2016)

Conservation Status – Least Concern, Near Threatened, Vulnerable, Critically Endangered, Endangered

Diet – Ibex, blue sheep, marmots, pika, hares and birds

Predators – Human