SNOW LEOPARD
One of the most elusive animals on the planet, the snow leopard, is rarely seen by humans. Recognized by it's thick grey yellowish coat, with black and brown ringed spots, the snow leopard is a graceful beauty among other animals. Being an endangered specie, there are only an estimated 3,500 to 7,000 in the wild. Snow leopards live in extremely high altitudes, ranging from 9,800 to 17,000 feet in the high, rugged mountains of Central Asia, where they hunt and raise their young. Their range spans from Afghanistan to Kazakstan and Russia in the north to India and China in the east. China contains the highest percentage of snow leopard habitat.
Living high up in the mountains, snow leopards diet consists of wild sheep, goats, and have even been known to feed on small rodents and birds. Killing prey to feed themselves, as well as their young female snow leopards prefer rocky dens to live and raise their cubs; having 2-3 cubs in a litter. Snow leopards are solitary animals and only pair during mating season.
Getting into the physical features of the snow leopard extra large paws that are covered in fur help the leopard from sinking into the snow, and to help maintain balance this big cat has a long, large thick furred tail. Having short front limbs and long hind limbs this big cat can jump 30ft in a single leap making it a real force when hunting prey. One interesting fact is snow leopards have light green or grey eyes, which is unusual for big cats who usually have yellow, or gold eyes.
Overall this big cat is quite the specimen. If you ever get the chance to see a snow leopard either at a zoo, or in its natural habitat remember what you read.
REFERENCES: http://www.defenders.org/snow-leopard/basic-facts
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