Snow leopard (Panthera uncia or Uncia uncial) is a huge long-haired Asian cat which belongs to the Felidae family. Snow leopards are so shy and mysterious in the wild that they are barely seen. These large cats are known as the "ghosts of the mountains" because of their extreme isolation. The snow leopard can be found at elevations ranging from 1,800 meters in the winter to 5,500 meters in the summer. It feeds at night and preys on a variety of species including wild sheep, and domestic animals. After a 93-day gestation period, it gives birth to two to four young in litters. The snow leopard was categorized as an endangered species on the International Union for Conservation of Nature's Red List of Threatened Species from 1986 to 2017. (IUCN). Snow leopards are killed between 221-450 times every year in Asia, regardless their endangered status.

On October 23, 2013, political leaders from 12 countries met in Bishkek to sign the "Bishkek Declaration on Snow Leopard Conservation." The Snow Leopard is found in 12 different countries (India, Nepal, Bhutan, China, Mongolia, Russia, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan). On October 23, 2014, the first International Snow Leopard Day was celebrated. “Healthy Snow Leopard Population: Healthy Ecosystems” is the theme for International Snow Leopard Day 2021.Its main purpose is to promote awareness about the importance of snow leopard conservation, to unite environmental organizations throughout the snow leopard range countries, and to identify the importance of taking anti-poaching measures. The annual observance of International Snow Leopard Day, also known as World Snow Leopard Day, celebrated October 23rd. Because the snow leopard lives in a hostile environment, research describes major logistical difficulties.

Snow leopards can be found all along Nepal's northern border. Snow leopard populations are distributed in the regions of Mustang, Mugu, Dolpo, and Humla. Despite Nepal's ongoing efforts to protect the snow leopard, the conflict from livestock predation and retaliatory kills, poaching, and habitat loss due to high livestock density in grazing areas create a long-term threat. Snow leopard kills sheep, goats, horses, and yak calves so, the snow leopard-human conflict is one of the biggest dangers to its survival. Annapurna Conservation Area, Shey Phuksundo National Park, and Kangchenjunga Conservation Area, among Nepal's protected areas, have taken many conservation initiatives at the grass-roots level. The snow leopard is now being protected by a number of national and international conservation organizations and development agencies. Snow leopard research are mainly conducted in  Nepal, India, China, Mongolia, and Pakistan. The majority of the studies are concerned with ecological research, human-wildlife conflict, and the socio-ecological aspects of the snow leopard range.