What is a Snow Leopard? Taxonomy, Morphology, and Phylogeny

Abstract

The snow leopard is the smallest member of the genus Panthera and is the sister species to the tiger (Panthera tigris). It has a poor fossil record, although a recent discovery in Tibet suggests this lineage could be at least 4 million years old. The snow leopard's taxonomic history, molecular phylogeny, and potential geographical variation are reviewed. It is adapted to montane habitats, where it hunts small to medium-sized mammals. Characteristics such as pelage coloration and markings, fur length and density, skull and tooth morphology, limb proportions, and tail morphology are reviewed as adaptations to living at high elevations with low oxygen levels and temperatures, and hunting and killing montane ungulates. 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.