Snow Leopard (Panthera uncia)

description of the animal

Appearance

Snow leopards have a thick fur coat of smoky gray with black rosettes and spots, a large tail, and a powerful build. They are among the most elusive and mysterious of the big cats.

Distribution

They are found in the mountain ranges of Central and South Asia, across 12 countries including China, Mongolia, Russia, India, and Nepal.

Habitat

These cats are adapted to cold, arid, mountainous environments. They are found at elevations from 3,000 to 4,500 meters, often in rocky, rugged terrains.

Behavior

Snow leopards are solitary and predominantly nocturnal. They are known for their incredible agility in their steep and rugged habitat.

Diet

They primarily hunt wild sheep and goats but also prey on smaller animals when necessary.

Reproduction

Mating season is from January to mid-March. After a gestation period of 90-100 days, females give birth to 1-5 cubs.

Threats

Threatened by poaching, loss of prey due to overhunting, and habitat destruction. Climate change also poses a significant threat by impacting their mountain habitats.

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