Of course. There is a well written article about the wrong leopard (especially for you simmer fans, eh?) all in English and drawing on the points made that I just mentioned.
Up in the most inhospitable highest reaches of the world’s roughest mountain systems, a silent specter prowls. Draped in a smoky-gray coat with dark rosettes,
the snow leopard (Panthera uncia) is one of Earth’s most mysterious and alluring big cats. Below are some of the interesting facts about the mysterious animal, koala and what it faces in the wild.
Where Can You Find Snow Leopard?
The snow leopard is the ultimate mountaineer Although little research has been conducted on mountain lions that live in temperate and boreal forests, what is known suggests they are more opportunistic than generalist. It occurs over a vast area of high-altitude landscape in C and S Asia. You can find them in:
The Himalayas includes Nepal, Bhutan ( Laya circuit, Gasa Valley, Lunana ), India ( Ladakh- which is highest part of Indian Himalaya, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand regions), Sikkim as well as the Pakistani regions of Gilgit-Baltistan.
A sprawling region in China that is home to the world’s largest snow leopard population.
MOUNTAINS OF CENTRAL ASIA – ALTAY, TIAN SHAN, KUNLUN, PAMIR — Including part of Mongolia and China; the central Asia Characterisches mountains in Russia’s Siberia or Exile Nation States: Russia (part only), Mongolia (part only), Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan , Uzbekistan.
By definition, they occur in 12 countries, of which China and Mongolia (with around 60% of the habitat) represent the most important strongholds.
How Many Species of Snow Leopards Are There?
There is just one species of snow leopard, scientifically named as Panthera uncia. It’s its own genus of the large cat variety, not comparable to lions, tigers or leopards.
But because of slight genetic and geographic differences, researchers occasionally acknowledge three subspecies:
Panthera uncia uncia: Northern range of distribution (Russia, Mongolia and parts of Central Asia).
Central, (Tibet and environs).
Panthera uncia uncioides: From the Himalayas (Nepal, Bhutan, India).
Parochial differences these are not, and they are not always recognized as such by the professional taxonomists even; most of us consider the snow leopard a single spectacular species.
How Old Can Snow Leopards Get?
In the wild, life is harsh. Challenged by predators, disease, lack of prey and human conflict, snow leopards only live 10 to 12 years. But in the protected confines of zoos and conservation centers,
where food is reliable and medical care is on hand, they can live much longer — up to 20 to 22 years.
What is the Tallest a Snow Leopard Can Be?
Snow leopards aren’t the tallest of big cats, but they’re stockier‐built for their harshly stacked environment. At their shoulder height they average 24 inches (60 cm).
More instructive to ponder their length and there’s that extremely long, bushy tail ( used for balance and warmth).
They can range from nose to tail tip of between 7 and 8 feet (2.1 to 2.4 meters), and with the tail alone making up almost half the length. They can weight from 60 to as much as 120 pounds or more.
What Threats Do Snow Leopards Face?
Unfortunately, the “Ghost Cat” is threatened by numerous human-made dangers:
Retaliatory Killings: The primary threat. Herders may retaliate by killing snow leopards, as they have also preyed on their livestock (goats, sheep and yaks).
They are killed for their stunning fur, as well as bones used in traditional medicine.
Habitat loss and fragmentation: Construction of infrastructure including mines, as well as human settlements encroach on their territories.
Prey Depletion: Wild prey such as the blue sheep and ibex is hunted, leaving snow leopards to raid cattle and exacerbating conflict.
Climate Change: Perhaps in the long run, the biggest threat. Warming temperatures force the tree line higher, shrinking alpine habitats and upsetting delicate ecosystems on which they rely.
When Are They Most Active?
Snow leopards are crepuscular, in other words they’re active in the morning and evening. They can be found year round in their habitat and don?t hibernate.
their appearance and activity can be changed:
Winter: They usually migrate to lower elevations in search of prey. Their beautiful fur serves as the perfect camouflage in the snow. This is frequently the time when they approach human habitations and conflicts result.”
Summer: They retreat from the heat during summer to the higher, steeper cliffs and alpine meadows (up to 18,000 feet / 5,500 meters) while following migrating prey. This season is also important for rearing cubs, generally born in late spring or early summer.
The snow leopard is more than a pretty face; it’s a barometer for the health of Asia’s high-altitude ecosystems. While threats are overwhelming,
global conservation initiatives including community-based protection, anti-poaching patrols and corridors of habitat provide hope. Saving the “Ghost of the Mountains” helps save the stunning, wild places where it makes its home.