Snow Leopard or Ounce (Panthera uncia)

Stalking among the crags of the Himalayas is a rare and beautiful animal - the Snow Leopard. It is rare in that there are an estimated fewer than 5,000 cats remaining and some estimates go as low as 1,500. With its long gray fur coat marked with dark rosettes and that unmistakable snow leopard face, it is commonly regarded as the most beautiful of all the great cats. The snow leopard is not a subspecies of the leopard, it is a separate species altogether.

Appearance

Up to 60 inches (152 cm) head and body length with a proportionally long 36 inch (91 cm) tail. Weight ranges from 55 to 160 lbs. (25 to 73 kg) Females are smaller than males. Coat is long and grey with black rosettes which are not as clearly defined as on the common leopard. Summer coat is shorter. Relative to its size, the snow leopard's tail is longer than that of any other cat.

Distribution/Habitat

The Ounce inhabits the mountainous regions of Central Asia.

Habits

Due to its rugged habitat, not much is known about the ecology of the snow leopard. It is known, however, to be a solitary and territorial animal, as is most of the cats. It has been found at elevations as high as 18,000 feet (5,486 meters) but is more commonly found at lower elevations.

Reproduction

Two to three cubs are born after a gestation period of 96 days. Cubs will stay with their mother for about two years until they are mature enough to seek out their own home range.

Diet

Snow leopards feed on marmots, blue sheep, ibex and deer. They will also take rodents and birds.

Conservation

The snow leopard is protected in much of its range, but due to the remote rugged terrain, enforcement of its protection is difficult. Wild populations are sparse and spread out. This cat may go the way of extinction in our life time if we don’t work harder to preserve it. Extinction would be a sad future for such a beautiful animal.