1. By: Clarence Hamlette

2. Scientific Name: Panthera uncia

3. These Leopards are found in the mountains of Central Asia.

4. Size  Length 1 - 1.3 m (3.25 - 4.25 ft)  Tail 80 - 100 cms (32 - 39 inches)  Weight 25 - 75 Kgs (55 - 165 lbs)

5. Diet  Mainly made up of wild sheep and goats  Also consists of yak, asses, pikas, marmots, hares, musk deer, birds and domestic livestock.

6. Housing/Climate  forest scrub at altitudes of 2000 - 6000 metres  climate in these areas is harsh, cold and dry

7. Prey/Predator  Their primary predator is man, but they are also preyed upon by wolves

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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?