| Leopard, Snow | |||
| Genus | Panthera | ||
| Species | uncia | ||
| Status | Endangered | ||
| Number Left | less than 400 in the wild | ||
| Distribution | Himalayan Mountains of Asia; Central Asia | ||
| Height | 24 inches (61 cm) | ||
| Length | (with tail) 85-95 inches (216-241 cm) | ||
| Weight | 50-90 pounds (23-41 kg) | ||
| Behavior | Snow leopards survive by living I some of the most remote mountain areas of the world. They have huge lungs and strong chests, traits which allow them to breathe easily at high altitudes. Their long tails and muscular bodies allow them to move and jump along cliffs with ease. Their two front paws are heavily padded, allowing them to grip rocks more firmly. Snow leopards will shed a large aount of fur in the summer to stay cool. | ||
| Communication | Snow leopards make noises similar to house cats. They do not roar, but purr like domestic cats. | ||
| Breeding | In the summer, female snow leopards have one to four cubs. Babies stay with their mothers for two years before they are ready to hunt on their own. | ||
| No. of Young | 1-4 | ||
| Lifespan | Snow leopards living in captivity survive for about fifteen years, much the same time as a house cat. In the wild, however, their lives are much shorter because of the many dangers that they face. | ||
| Conservation |
Snow leopards have smoky-gray coats with black spots, which allow them to blend in with the rock and snow of their mountain homes. Hunters have killed these leopards for their thick, warm winter coats for centuries. Four leopard skins are needed to make one fur coat. Because snow leopards are now so rare, it makes them a greater target for poachers.
Snow leopards need large hunting ranges, and sometimes have territories that stretch up to 40 miles. More and more farmers are moving into the snow leopard's remote mountain areas to graze their sheep and goats. The leopards often kill farm animals to survive, while farmers complain that they are losing their livestock. Nepal has established national parks to protect the snow leopard. The money earned from park tourism is given to farmers. Because the snow leopard lives in this protected area, is it less likely to hunt the farmers' cattle. | ||
| Interesting Facts | The snow leopard is also known as an ounce. | ||
| Images and Video Clips | |||
| |||
| Animal Communication Panel | |||
 Back
|
|