Where does the snow leopard live?
The snow leopard lives in the mountain ranges of Asia: from the eastern Hindu Kush, the Himalayas and the Tibetan Plateau to southern Siberia, Mongolia and western China. It inhabits alpine and subalpine zones at 3,000 to 4,500 m, with cliffs and ridges, and prefers steep, rocky ravines. It uses vast territories, covering small areas for seven to ten days before moving to another.
What does the snow leopard eat?
It hunts mainly ungulates, especially the blue sheep, but also small mammals and birds. Plants make up an important part of its diet, which is unusual for a cat. Solitary, it is mostly active at dawn and twilight. Its long, thick tail, almost half its total length, works as a balance on steep ground, and it wraps it around itself to sleep warm. Its large furry paws insulate it from the cold and help it walk on snow.
Is the snow leopard endangered?
Yes: the IUCN lists it as Vulnerable. The main threats are poaching and the illegal trade in its skin and body parts. In China, an estimated 103 to 236 snow leopards are poached every year. It has been legally protected in Nepal since 1973, with prison sentences for poachers.
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