Snow leopard Panthera uncia

Ladakh does not have any lion, tiger or panther. It, however, has a leopard peculiar to the region. This is the snow leopard, obviously so called because the animal is usually found near the snow line and, seen from a distance seems white or snowy. It is found at an elevation of about 3660 to 3965 Mt. above sea level. In fact the snow leopard is some times referred to as the Safed Cheetah. The Ladakh leopard is smaller than the tiger and even the panther and distinguished from either by the soft woolly coat and thick fur especially on the tail.

The snow leopard stands about 60 cm at the shoulder and of his total length about 195 cm, the tail accounts nearly a half. The general colour is grey or white with a cream buff tinge while the under wool is dark grey or brownish. The head, which is comparatively short, is clear grey with white around the eyes and upper lip. On the body there are large black spots with dark grey center. The spots on the under parts are not many; these two are somewhat ill defined. The forepaws are spotted while the hind paws are often without any spot. The ears are black at the back with a large white or yellowish patch. A dark streak runs from the middle of the back to the tail. The skull measures from 6 to 7 inches.
The snow leopard is essentially an inhabitant of the high snowy mountains and found all along the snow line in both Ladakh and Baltistan. But they could be seen only rarely, as they are nocturnal animals. The snow leopard preys heavily on the innocent denizens of the Himalayan heights: Bharal, Markhor, Shapo and Ibex. The gestation period is about three months and 2 to 4 cubs are born.
Snow leopards are hunted for their valuable fur. Its soft colouring and luxuriant beauty is scarcely rivaled, thus bringing the beast on the verge of extinction. Steps are taken to protect the animal, which really needs our attention.

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