Snow Leopards are solitary animals who live in the tall mountains of Central Asia and are very shy elusive cats. Because of their quiet behavior, researchers do not know much about this species. In fact, the local people who live with the Snow Leopards have nicknamed this species, "ghost of the mountains."
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Habitat
Snow Leopards live in the Mountains of Central Asia and are indigenous to 12 different countries; China, Afghanistan, India, Bhutan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Nepal, Mongolia, Pakistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Russia. Even though their habitat covers much land, there are only about 3,500-7,000 left in the wild. In addition, China holds about 60% of all Snow Leopards. These cats mark their territories by scent marking (urinating) and scraping the ground with their hind legs. They prefer rocky terrain and live in high altitudes that provide cold, dry weather. Did you know, research shows that the warmer the climate gets, the higher up the mountains these cats travel? Since these cats are solitary, travel alone, sighting a Snow Leopard in the wild is VERY rare, and there are about 600 in zoos worldwide.
Snow Leopards live in the Mountains of Central Asia and are indigenous to 12 different countries; China, Afghanistan, India, Bhutan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Nepal, Mongolia, Pakistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Russia. Even though their habitat covers much land, there are only about 3,500-7,000 left in the wild. In addition, China holds about 60% of all Snow Leopards. These cats mark their territories by scent marking (urinating) and scraping the ground with their hind legs. They prefer rocky terrain and live in high altitudes that provide cold, dry weather. Did you know, research shows that the warmer the climate gets, the higher up the mountains these cats travel? Since these cats are solitary, travel alone, sighting a Snow Leopard in the wild is VERY rare, and there are about 600 in zoos worldwide.
![Picture](/uploads/2/8/7/6/28764925/78606.jpg?320)
Nutrition
These cats mainly eat wild sheep and goats. Their most common prey species are the Blue Sheep (Bharral), Siberian Ibex and the Argali sheep. Did you know Snow Leopards can hunt animals up to 3 times their body weight? Along from these main food sources, Snow Leopards will also eat small animals like rodents and rabbit. Despite being thought as strict carnivores, scientists have discovered that they eat certain grasses, twigs and other vegetation. It is predicted that these plants provide the cats with an extra source of vitamins. Also, these cats are opportunistic hunters, so they are often held accountable for preying upon domesticated livestock, when natural resources are running low.
These cats mainly eat wild sheep and goats. Their most common prey species are the Blue Sheep (Bharral), Siberian Ibex and the Argali sheep. Did you know Snow Leopards can hunt animals up to 3 times their body weight? Along from these main food sources, Snow Leopards will also eat small animals like rodents and rabbit. Despite being thought as strict carnivores, scientists have discovered that they eat certain grasses, twigs and other vegetation. It is predicted that these plants provide the cats with an extra source of vitamins. Also, these cats are opportunistic hunters, so they are often held accountable for preying upon domesticated livestock, when natural resources are running low.
![Picture](/uploads/2/8/7/6/28764925/3966749.jpg?316)
Adaptations
Snow Leopards are well adapted to their natural habitat. They have short front legs and long back legs which enable them to jump up to 30 feet from a standing position! Their chest fur is around six inches thick which acts as insulation in the cold, dry weather and their pale, spotted pelt blends perfectly in their surroundings. Also, their long tails are almost as long as their body, which helps them balance, and keeps the Snow Leopard warm while sleeping during the winter. The cat's short ears keep their body heat inside, and their large naval cavity helps warm the cold air before entering the lungs.
Snow Leopards are well adapted to their natural habitat. They have short front legs and long back legs which enable them to jump up to 30 feet from a standing position! Their chest fur is around six inches thick which acts as insulation in the cold, dry weather and their pale, spotted pelt blends perfectly in their surroundings. Also, their long tails are almost as long as their body, which helps them balance, and keeps the Snow Leopard warm while sleeping during the winter. The cat's short ears keep their body heat inside, and their large naval cavity helps warm the cold air before entering the lungs.