Snow Leopard

The snow leopard is a stocky, short-legged mountain cat with thick whitish-grey fur, black spots on the head and neck, and larger rosettes across the back, flanks, and exceptionally long bushy tail. Adults measure 75–150cm from head to body; males commonly weigh 45–55kg and females 35–40kg. Small rounded ears reduce heat loss, broad furred paws provide purchase on snow and broken rock, and the 80–105cm tail aids balance and can cover the face while the cat rests. Unlike several other Panthera cats, it cannot roar. (Wikipedia, general species account)

Snow leopards inhabit rocky alpine and subalpine landscapes across Central and South Asia, normally using higher country in summer and descending in winter. Mongolia lies within the northern part of the range, and nationwide assessment work maps extensive potential habitat in the country's mountain systems. The cats are solitary predators of mountain ungulates and smaller mammals. A South Gobi diet study specifically examined prey use in Mongolia, while research in a livestock-dominated Mongolian landscape documented predation and land sharing. Exact viewing sites are omitted because reliable sightings require current specialist guidance and minimal disturbance. (Wikipedia species account; Shehzad et al. 2012; Johansson et al. 2015)