Snow leopards (Panthera uncia) are considered to be a rare and endangered species. The exact population of snow leopards is unknown, but it is estimated that there are between 4,000 and 6,500 individuals remaining in the wild.
Snow leopards are found in high-altitude mountain regions of Central Asia, including the Himalayas, the Tibetan Plateau, and the Altai Mountains. Their range covers 12 countries, including Afghanistan, Bhutan, China, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Nepal, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.
The primary threats to snow leopards are habitat loss, poaching, and retaliatory killings due to conflict with local communities. Conservation efforts are underway to protect snow leopards and their habitats, including the establishment of protected areas and anti-poaching initiatives.