Snow Leopard
(Panthera Uncia)
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Length:
Weight:
Gestation:
Litter Size:
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6 1/2 ft.
60-100 lb.
~100 days
1-5 cubs
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Status:
Little is known about the snow leopard, and what we do know is mainly through
observing them in captivity. The population may be anywhere from 1,000 to 5,000. What
ever the population is now, it is declining. Their habitat is being destroyed by poor
farmers. After their habitat is invaded, and food is scarce, the snow leopard may go for
the farmer's livestock, resulting in the snow leopard getting shot. Another major threat is
skinning; a snow leopard coat can be sold for up to $60,000.
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Report by Catamount
Picture of a Snow Leopard
Picture from ZooNet
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Physical Characteristics
The snow leopard has many special adaptations for its harsh environment. Its fur is long
and dense and has great insulation for the sub-zero temperatures. The snow leopard has a
gray coat with black spots and rosettes, and a white stomach. Its tail is long which
provides balance in its leaps up to 35 ft. Like its coat, the fur on its tail is long and dense,
and it wraps its tail around its body, mouth, and nose in extreme temperatures. The paws of the
snow leopard are large and furry, which is helpful for insulation, protection for rocks, and
for traction in the snow and ice. The front paws are larger then the back ones. Unlike the
leopard, the snow leopard can not roar.
Habitat and Distribution
The snow leopard is found in Central Asia from northwestern China and the Himalayas in
high mountain slopes. Most of the year they stay in elevations from 10,000 ft. to 15,000
ft. in the upper grasslands to the snow line, but in the winter they move down to elevations
of about 6,000 feet.
Hunting and Feeding
Mountain goats and wild sheep are the most common source of food for the snow
leopard. They also prey on smaller mammals, deer, boars, marmots, and domestic
livestock if desperate. Solitary, they stalk their prey generally at night. When close to the
victim, the snow leopard will leap and clamp on the animal's neck.
Reproduction and Cubs
Females mature at around three years of age, and males around four. Snow leopards mate
in December to March. After a gestation period of about 100 days, the snow leopard will
give birth to 2-3 cubs, blind and helpless, in a rocky shelter. They are weaned by three
months, and leave their mother by the age of two to make territories of their own.
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