The snow leopard is a big cat that lives in the higher, rocky mountains of Central Asia. There, it primarily feeds on sheep, ibex, and goats. Its thick fur protects it from the biting cold and is so beautiful that many animals fall victim to poachers. As a result, the snow leopard is now an endangered species. A distinctive feature is its tail, which is nearly as long as its body. The snow leopard uses its bushy tail as a rudder when jumping and as protection against the cold.