Species Hang in the Balance

BINOMIAL NAME:

Uncia Uncia

ANATOMICAL PROPORTIONS:

6- 8 ft. long (tip-to-tail)/ 2 ft. tall/ 77-120 lbs.

POPULATION (APPROXIMATE):

3,500-7,000

CONSERVATION STATUS:

ENDANGERED

DISTRIBUTION & HABITAT:

High altitudes (between 9,800 and 17,000 ft.), in the rugged mountains of Central Asia, Afghanistan, Kazakstan, Russia, India, and China

DIET:

Species of wild sheep and goat (also living at high-altitudes, on rocky terrain), some small mammals, and even less often birds

SPECIES THREATS:

It is reasonable to assume that the primary threat facing the snow leopard is poaching, sought after for its unbelievably exquisite coat. While this is a problem, the snow leopard is more aggressively obtained for its body parts---these are used in traditional Asian medicine.

Although the snow leopard lives in relatively uninhabited regions (high atop mountains), it is known to occasionally descend into lowland valleys, and prey upon livestock---this situation almost always yields devastating consequences for the predator.

Lastly, because the snow leopard is designed and adapted to its cold, mountainous habitat, global warming is an especially dangerous prospect for this species (similar to the threat facing polar bears). As the global climate warms, the leopard is forced to inhabit higher and higher altitudes, where there is far less prey, and where they are confined to much smaller home ranges.

UNIQUE FACTS:

Snow leopards have unusually colored eyes for a big cat---whereas most don yellowish-golden eyes, a snow leopard's eyes have a light greenish/ grayish hue.

The snow leopard has further anatomical anomalies, when compared to its relatives. First of all, though it does possess a hyoid bone, the cat is unable to roar. They also have an unusually low-seated, and squat frame for a big cat. Other unique adaptations include an enlarged nasal cavity, a deep chest, and enormous (relative) paws, which are fur-lined, and act like snow-shoes to accommodate walking on top of snow.

Culturally, the snow leopard is particularly symbolic to the Turkic people of Central Asia, but its likeness often appears in various heraldries and emblems, all across the region it inhabits.

DEVOTED ORGANIZATION:

Snow Leopard Trust

• Donate to the Snow Leopard Trust
• Snow Leopard Trust Apparel/ Merchendise

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