Snow Leopards By: Allison Mayfield
Snow Leopards
Snow Leopards live in the Central Asian mountains where they are uniquely adapted to the environments harsh climate. Their fur keeps them well insulated in cold weather - it can be 5cm long on their back and sides and almost 12cm long on their belly. Snow leopards' tails are 80-105cm long, they’re thought to aid balance and they also wrap them around themselves for added warmth. Not only do the Snow Leopards have to battle the cold but also the altitude. Snow leopards live at high altitudes, usually at elevations of 3,000-4,500m. They prefer steep, broken terrain like cliffs, rocky outcrops and ravines. Having short forelimbs and long hind legs help keep them agile in their steep and rugged environment. Snow Leopards also have snow shoe, like paws and a coat that helps with camouflage. Snow Leopards are more closely related to tigers than other leopards. Surprisingly Snow Leopards can’t roar. They chuff like a tiger, they also have a loud yowl, and many other vocalizations.
Snow Leopards are important because they play a key role as both top predator and as an indicator of the health of their high-altitude habitat. If snow leopards thrive, so will countless other species. Sadly they are on the vulnerable list because of hunting and poaching. Humans have started to impede on the Snow Leopard territory and as a result many herds are preyed upon by Snow Leopards. A Snow Leopard’s territory is huge, one can cover the distance of a marathon (26 miles) in one night.
I would recommend watching this video because it really puts into perspective how dangerous a Snow Leopard’s environment is.
Snow Leopard Hunting Video: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=zllX6MAGs9Y
Resources:
Top 10 facts about Snow Leopards: https://www.wwf.org.uk/learn/fascinating-facts/snow-leopards
World Wildlife Foundation: https://www.worldwildlife.org/species/snow-leopard
Watching the video I couldn't believe that the snow leopard survived the fall that it took and then continued with attacking and successfully killing its prey. That was remarkable. I have always been saddened by the fact that people kill animals just because of their beauty and they can gain money for what they do. It is hard enough on the species trying to survive with prey disappearing due to habitat loss and climate changes.
ReplyDeleteThis is an awesome post as it shows how unique snow leopards are! It is amazing how they can survive and adapt in such harsh living conditions. I have also found it very interesting how a lot of animals have such good balance because of their tails, also the video was great.
ReplyDeleteI think that it is perfect where nature ended up putting this snow leopard, I feel like in the harsh conditions it hard for people to be there all the time if people tried hunting them I feel like not only do the adaptations on their body keep them safe, but the conditions as well.
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