Snow Leopard Flashcards
What is the snow leopard’s scientific name?
Panthera Uncia
How far down a cliffside can a snow leopard leap?
60 feet
How big is a snow leopard?
Body length is 3 - 4.5 feet, but tail length included makes them 5 - 8 feet. They weigh 55 - 165 pounds.
What is the gestation period of the snow leopard?
90 - 103 days. April to June
What is the average litter of a snow leopard?
Three cubs, each weighing one pound at birth.
When do snow leopards reach sexual maturity?
2 - 3 years
What is the snow leopard’s average lifespan?
14 years. Can live up to 21 in captivity.
What is the range and habitat of the snow leopard?
They live in high alpine regions of central Asia. They can be found over 8,000 feet.
What do snow leopards eat?
Wild sheep, goats, deer, small mammals, game birds, and livestock.
what is a snow leopard’s maximum prey size?
Three times their size
Are snow leopards social?
No. They only pair up when mating or caring for young.
How do snow leopards communicate?
They scratch things, mark things with their scent, and make sounds.
Can snow leopards roar?
No. They can only hiss, growl, and mew.
What are the snow leopard’s predators?
They have none. They are an apex predator.
When are snow leopards active?
They are mostly active during the day (diurnal) or at dawn and dusk (crepuscular).
Where do snow leopards spend their nights and give birth?
They make dens in crevices and caverns that are often lined with their fur.
Why do snow leopards have such large paws?
The paws are used like snowshoes. They allow them to comfortably and silently move through snow up to 33 inches deep. The fur on the paws keeps them warm.
Why do snow leopards have such long tails?
They use their tails for balance. They will also wrap them around their face to shield them from the cold.
Are snow leopards endangered?
Yes. Humans hunt them for their warm fur and organs. The organs are used in traditional Chinese medicine. Farmers also shoot them to protect livestock. The numbers of their prey are also declining.
How many snow leopards are left?
Between 4,000 and 7,000 with 600 in captivity. The numbers are difficult to estimate because of the harsh conditions of their habitat.
what do snow leopards do when winter comes and it gets really cold?
They will move down to some lower elevations.
Why do snow leopards have big nostrils?
It allows them to take in more oxygen from the thin mountain air.
Are snow leopards aggressive?
No. They will readily abandon kills and run away if threatened. There are no recorded attacks on humans.
How do snow leopards hunt?
They ambush from above, using camouflage. They kill with a bite to the neck and drag their prey to a secret place.
