The species is native to the mountain ranges of Central and South Asia. It is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List because the global population is estimated to number fewer than 10,000 mature individuals and is expected to decline further

It is mainly threatened by poaching and habitat destruction following infrastructural developments.

It inhabits alpine and subalpine zones at elevations of 3,000–4,500 m (9,800–14,800 ft), ranging from eastern Afghanistan, the Himalayas and the Tibetan Plateau to southern Siberia, Mongolia and western China.

The snow leopard's fur is whitish to grey with black spots on the head and neck, with larger rosettes on the back, flanks and bushy tail.

It is solitary and mostly active at dawn till early morning, and again in afternoons and early evenings.

The snow leopard is a carnivore and actively hunts its prey. Its preferred wild prey species are Himalayan blue sheep, Himalayan tahr, argali, markhor and wild goat

It also preys on domestic livestock. It prefers prey ranging in weight from 36 to 76 kg, but also hunts smaller mammals such as Himalayan marmot, pika and vole species.

Its diet depends on prey availability and varies across its range and season.

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