Amazing Wild Animals: Snow Leopard

The snow leopard is one of the most beautiful big cats. This rare cat lives in the snowy mountains of Central Asia. This big cat's coat is white to blend in with the snow. On its coat it has a rosette pattern, which is similar, though not quite the same, to a leopards. Due to its cold habitat the snow leopard's body has adapted. It's ears are small to let less body heat out, and a thick fur coat to keep the cold out. Their nasal cavities are larger so they can get more oxygen in the cold air. To help keep their balance snow leopards have a big, thick tail, which they can also use as a blanket. Their paws are large to help them stay on top of the snow.

Snow leopards are solidarity hunters and are the least aggressive of all big cats. They mainly eat sheep and goats, although if they feel threatened they will leave their prey behind. Snow leopards often chose to attack their prey from above on a mountain side. Two fun facts are the snow leopard can jump up to 50 feet. Although snow leopards are considered big cats, they can't roar. Instead they growl, mew, hiss, and wail.

Exact information such as life span and population is hard to determine due to the cat's secretive and reclusive nature. Their population is believed to be between 3,500 and 7,000 in the wild, and their life span is around 15-18 years. Mother snow leopards have 2 to 3 cubs per litter and they build their dens in rocky locations which are lined with fur. The cubs will stay with their mother until they are 18 to 22 months old, though they are full grown at 4 months.

Snow leopards are an endangered animals. They are a target for poachers due to their beautiful fur and some parts of their body are used in traditional Asian medicine. Addition to their usual prey, snow leopards will hunt livestock. Herders who depend on their livestock see the leopards as a threat and will also kill them. Another threat to snow leopards is loss of habitat. People are moving into snow leopard territory and driving the cats out.