There are estimated to be as few as 4,000 Snow Leopards left in the wild. They live only in cold, high altitude regions but as the climate changes, warmer summers and less snowfall means that their mountain homes are changing faster than most places on Earth. Explore more of India's Wild Leopards during Big Cat Week this week. 📸 Sandesh Kadur | Felis Images | National Geographic UK

Shree’s tail is majestic—and massive. Snow leopards use their ultra-thick tails for balance on cliffs, warmth in the cold, and even to wrap around their faces like a scarf while resting. But that same dense fur can hold in a lot of heat—especially when temperatures climb. During her wellness exam this week (while Shree was safely under anesthesia), our team brushed out her tail to help thin the undercoat. A feline’s tail has good blood flow and surface exposure, which means it can play a role in