The snow leopard, or ounce (Uncia uncia), is the only species of the genus Uncia

An adult snow leopard can grow up to 120-125 cm in length and weigh up to 45 kg

These big brownish-grey cats with large dark-brown rosettes differ from leopards proper (Panthera pardus) by the colour and rich texture of their fur

Snow leopards are found in the mountains of Central Asian (Himalayas) and southern Siberia at middle to high altitudes

Less fertile than the other felids, female snow leopards do not give birth every year

Every snow leopard has its own territory

Snow leopards mark the territory in a variety of ways, and they make regular rounds of their hunting grounds, always moving along the same paths

The snow leopard is at the top of the food pyramid, with rival predators offering little to no competition

The snow leopard can kill prey three times its own weight

Mountain goats and rams, roe deer, wild boar, marmots, hares and snowcocks make up the greater part of their diet, complemented by grass and leaves in summertime

Russia is home to the northernmost snow leopard population