Snow leopards are remarkably rare animals, living in the mountainous regions of 12 countries in Asia. Their worldwide population is estimated to be around 4,000-6,500, but more than 70% of their habitat remains unexplored by humans. Their natural camouflage makes them near invisible in their habitat, earning them the nickname “ghost of the mountains”.
A recent survey showed that India itself is home to around 718 snow leopards, or around 10-15% of the global population. Still, for a group to run into one of these animals while skiing around Kashmir, like Owen Lansbury of Australia did, is incredibly lucky. Lansbury’s tour guide nearly skied over the animal, just missing it and causing it to crouch down in the snow.
Snow leopards are incredibly shy and elusive animals. So much so that they aren’t even slightly considered agressive towards humans. According to the Snow Leopard Trust, there has never been a verified attack by a snow leopard, and they’re much more likely to run away if disturbed, even while eating.
They tend to live in cold and dry climates, usually between 3,000 and 5,400 meters above sea level in the Himalayas and at lower altitudes in Mongolia and Russia. They’re usually found in areas with just grasses and small shrubs, not full blown wooded areas like in the video above. But they’re home ranges can sit anywhere from around 11 to 25 square miles up to over 386 square miles.