By: Clarence Hamlette

Scientific Name: Panthera uncia

These Leopards are found in the mountains of Central Asia.

Size  Length m ( ft)  Tail cms ( inches)  Weight Kgs ( 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 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 animalsInternational Snow Leopard Trust  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?