Snow Leopard
Panthera uncia
Kitted out for the cold
Snow leopards aren’t bothered by icy temperatures. They have very thick fur that can grow up to
12 cm long in the winter. The pads on their paws are also furry, which keeps them warm and stops them sinking into the snow. The leopards use their bushy tails as a blanket when sleeping.
Charakteristics
- Origin
Central Asia, Russia, Mongolia, China, India, Nepal
- Habitat
mountainous meadows and rocky regions up to 5,500 metres above sea level
- Diet
Wild goats and sheep, hares, marmots, birds
- Status
vulnerable
- Size
1,1 m
- Weight
approx. 30 to 40 kg
- Gestation period
93 to 110 days
- Achievable age
approx. 15 to 20 years
Threat Categories of IUCN
In a vulnerable position
This is another cat species threatened by loss of habitat. Human activity – house and roadbuilding, livestock farming, mining – is destroying the leopards’ home and wiping out their prey.
