Can a snow leopard live without snow?

While snow leopards are adapted to snowy environments, they can survive without snow as long as their basic needs are met.

Here's why:

* Habitat: They are found in high-altitude mountains across Central Asia, including areas with minimal snow.

* Diet: Their primary prey are mountain goats, sheep, and other ungulates. These animals are not dependent on snow for their survival.

* Adaptation: Snow leopards are strong climbers and skilled hunters, allowing them to adapt to rocky terrain and different types of landscapes.

However:

* Snow can be beneficial: Snow provides camouflage, allowing them to stalk prey and avoid predators more effectively.

* Snow depth: Extreme snowfall can limit their movement and hunting opportunities.

Conclusion: Snow leopards can live without snow, but their habitat preference and hunting strategies are better suited to snowy, mountainous regions. Their adaptability, however, allows them to thrive in a range of environments.