SNOW LEOPARDBy: Clarence Hamlette

Scientific Name: Panthera uncia

These Leopards are found in the mountains of Central Asia.

Size

Length 1 - 1.3 m (3.25 - 4.25 ft)

Tail 80 - 100 cms (32 - 39 inches)

Weight 25 - 75 Kgs (55 - 165 lbs)

Diet

Mainly made up of wild sheep and goats

Also consists of yak, asses, pikas, marmots, hares, musk deer, birds and domestic livestock.

Housing/Climate

forest scrub at altitudes of 2000 - 6000 metres

climate in these areas is harsh, cold and dry

Prey/Predator

Their primary predator is man, but they are also preyed upon by wolves

Reproduction

It takes both males and females about two years to reach sexual maturity

snow leopard’s liter can range from one to five cubs

the average is two to three cubs Between the months of January

and March, snow leopards will pair off in order to mate

Facts Only pair during the breeding season They do not roar Most active in the early morning and

late afternoon They den in rocky caverns and

crevices Pale-Grey Green eyes, very unusual

for a cat No human has ever been attacked by

a snow leopard Snow leopards aren’t related to

‘leopards or panthers, they’re classified as the genus Unica Unica

Why Endangered

The first reason is that the bones, skin and organs of large cats are valuable in traditional Asian medicine

Humans have really pushed with their livestock into the snow leopard’s habitat, leaving less food and living space

They’ve been endangered since 1972

Not Many Left

It is estimated that there are only 4,500-7,500 individuals left in the wild

For one thing, an international agreement bans the trade in snow leopards or their products

There is a network of protected areas in the mountains of central Asia.

the protection is not always enforced

Help

There are also conservation organizations

the International Snow Leopard Trust, which are working to save these animals

If you want to help this species don't buy any products made from these animals, and tell your friends and family to do the same

Quiz

How often does a snow leopard roar? What is the eye color of a snow

leopard? How many snow leopards has

attacked humans? Are snow leopards related to

‘leopards’ or panthers? How high can a snow leopard jump?