As a species ( Pantera pardus ), leopards have several subspecies, such as Amur leopards, Javan leopards, South Arabian leopards, Central Asian leopards, and Sri Lankan leopards. But despite its name, the snow leopard ( Panthera uncia ) is not actually a leopard. It is a unique animal and there is no other big cat like it on the entire planet.
Where do they live?
They are native to the rugged, rocky highlands of Central Asia, but snow leopards are found in multiple countries, including India, Bhutan, Russia, Pakistan, and Mongolia. The western mountainous region of the Himalayas (the China area) is believed to be home to the largest number of these spectacular creatures. In China, they usually live between 3,000 meters and 5,400 meters above sea level but in more remote mountains they can be found up to 6,000 meters above sea level. They prefer steep, rocky areas in the mountains for hunting and cliffs and ridges for perching.
fabulous fur
One of the characteristics that most attracts our attention to the snow leopard is precisely its impressive coat, perfectly adapted to the icy environment in which it thrives. Their fur keeps them insulated in cold climates ; not in vain, it has a great thickness: it can measure 5 cm long in the back and sides and almost 12 cm long in the belly area. Their tails also provide excellent shelter as, apart from being useful for balance, they also provide warmth when they lie down and wrap themselves around themselves. The snow leopard’s tail is between 80 and 105 cm long . Their large, furry paws, on the other hand, act like padded snowshoes. Its evolution has allowed it to adapt to survive in the most extreme conditions on Earth.
Are they very large animals?
Snow leopards measure around 75-150cm from head to base of tail, with the tail adding another 80-105cm, making them smaller than other big cats. Tigers , for example, can be up to 3.8 meters long (including the tail). They weigh between 25 and 55 kg.
excellent camouflage
Their coat pattern is ideal to help them stay hidden in their snowy and rocky mountainous terrain. It is light gray, grayish white, and the darker colored spots are unique. Their fur becomes lighter and thicker in the winter , giving them a high level of camouflage; hence they are known as the “ghosts of the mountain”.
Do they roar?
Unlike other big cats, snow leopards cannot roar. They do have a kind of ‘piercing howl’ that is so loud that it can be heard over the noise of a river. They also have other sounds like a snort, a growl and a hiss. Big cats have a particular ligament in their vocal cords that can stretch and flex, creating the deep, powerful roar we all know and love. However, in the case of snow leopards, even though they have this ligament, they cannot manipulate it to roar because they lack a layer of fatty tissue.
According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the snow leopard is in a vulnerable state . They are often hunted for their fur or by ranchers who see them as a threat to their livestock.
Referencia: WWF / Snow Leopard Conservancy / UICN
