Snow Leopard

From Encyclopedia Jr, free information reference for Kids

Snow Leopard
Conservation status
Endangered (EN)[1]
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Mammalia Order: Carnivora Family: Felidae Genus: Uncia Gray, 1854 Species: U. uncia
Binomial name
Uncia uncia (Schreber, 1775)
Synonyms
Panthera unica

The snow leopard (Uncia uncia ^[1][2] or Panthera uncia ^[3][4][5][6]), also known in some instances as the ounce, is a large cat native to the mountain ranges of central Asia. The taxonomic position of this species has been subject to change. In the past, many taxonomists included the snow leopard in the genus Panthera, with several of the other largest felids, but later it was placed in its own genus, Uncia. However, most recent molecular studies place the species firmly within the genus Panthera, although the exact position remains unclear.^[3][4][6] Along with the Clouded Leopard, it represents an intermediate between so-called big cats and smaller specimens as it can neither roar nor purr. Well known for its beautiful fur, the snow leopard has a soft grey coat with ringed spots and rosettes of black on brown. Its tail is heavy with fur and the bottom of its paws are covered with fur for protection against snow and cold.

[edit] Description

Weighing up to 75 kilograms, the snow leopard can be distinguished from other similar species by its proportionately longer tail, which helps it maintain its balance on the rugged terrain and unstable surfaces of its habitat. The snow leopard's tail also doubles as a warmth cover and is used to cover its nose and mouth in very cold conditions. The male's head is usually much squarer and wider than the female's. Its big furry feet act as snowshoes, like those of the lynx. In summer they usually live above the tree-line on mountainous meadows and in rocky regions at an altitude of up to 6000 m. In winter they come down into the forests at an altitude of about 2000 m. Snow leopards lead largely solitary lives, although mothers can rear cubs for extended periods of time in a cave den in the mountains.

The snow leopard's central Asian habitat range.

Snow leopards have grey-and-white fur with numerous rosettes on the flanks and spots on the head and neck, similar to jaguars. Their tails are striped. They are opportunistic feeders, eating whatever meat they may find; they often kill animals three times their size, including domestic livestock. Snow leopards may also ambush prey from above when possible, as they can jump as far as 15 metres. The snow leopard's agility often proves helpful when ambushing prey and traversing through mountains. Their diet consists of ibex, bharal, markhor, arkhar, boars, as well as marmots and other small rodents.

[edit] Threatened species

Leo, a thirteen month old cub given by Pakistan to the USA.

The snow leopard is a threatened species whose pelts command a very high price in the fur market. During the 1960s, the snow leopard's total population went down to 1,000 animals, but has since recovered to over 60,000 animals.

Aside from hunting, the invasion of Afghanistan and Pakistan by American troops following the 9/11 attacks, has also taken its toll on the snow leopard population. American air raids on cave systems and mountains in Northern Afghanistan were placed in the middle of snow leopard territory.

Snow leopards are notoriously hard to track down in the wild. The first close-up footage captured by a human (as opposed to remote cameras) was taken in the Northern Areas of Pakistan in 2006 for the TV series Planet Earth. The WWF of Pakistan plans to conserve the species in Khunjerab National Park, which provides a natural habitat for the snow leopard. On 9 August 2006, Pakistan donated a snow leopard called Leo to the United States. It was found by a shepherd in the mountains of north Pakistan in July 2005. ^[7]

Much progress has been made in securing the survival of the snow leopard, with snow leopards being successfully bred in captivity. The animals usually give birth to 2 to 3 cubs in a litter, but can give birth to up to 7 in some cases.

[edit] Snow leopard in heraldry

A snow leopard cub.

The snow leopard (almost invariably known in heraldry as the ounce) (Aq Bars) is a national symbol for Tatars and Kazakhs: a snow leopard is found on the official seal of the city of Almaty, and a winged snow leopard is found on Tatarstan's coat of arms. The Snow Leopard award was given to Soviet mountaineers who summited all five of the Soviet Union's 7000m peaks. In addition, the snow leopard is the symbol of the Girl Scout Association of Kyrgyzstan.

[edit] See also

• Khunjerab National Park

[edit] References

[edit] External links

• ARKive - images and movies of the snow leopard (Uncia uncia)
• PBS Nature: Silent Roar: Searching for the Snow Leopard
• International Snow Leopard Trust
• Snow Leopard Conservancy
• Biosphere Expeditions Take part in a snow leopard conservation expedition