Panthera uncia, the snow leopard, is a solitary and elusive big cat adapted to cold mountainous regions, with thick fur, powerful limbs, and a long tail that aids in balance. Its genome reveals adaptations to high-altitude environments, such as genes related to oxygen transport and energy metabolism, as well as evolutionary links to other big cats within the Panthera lineage.

DOI: 10.1038/ncomms3433

Author: Laura Espachs (Institut Manresa SIS)