by: clarence hamlette. scientific name: panthera uncia
TRANSCRIPT
SNOW LEOPARDBy: Clarence Hamlette
Scientific Name: Panthera uncia
These Leopards are found in the mountains of Central Asia.
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)
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 2000 - 6000 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 animals
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?