Snow Leopard

In News

• Recently, a snow leopard conservationist named Charudutt Mishra was awarded the Whitely Gold Award.

Snow Leopard

• Scientific Name: Panthera uncia.
• Habitat: Cold High Mountains.
  • These are found in 12 countries including China, Bhutan, Nepal, India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Russia & Mongolia.
  • China has the world’s largest snow leopard population.

• Diet: 
  • Carnivore & hunt blue sheep, Argali wild sheep, ibex, marmots, pikas, hares, etc.
• Features:
  • One of the world’s most elusive cats & are perfectly equipped to thrive in extreme, high-elevation habitats.
  • Insulated with thick white-grey coats spotted with large black rosettes & wide, fur-covered feet act as natural snowshoes. The tail helps in balancing and also covers the body while sleeping.
  • Shy & rarely seen in the wild.

• Threats:
  • Increased conflict due to expansion of human settlement & livestock grazing.
  • Poaching for trade in body parts and fur.
  • Climate change & shrinkage in habitat.
• IUCN: Vulnerable
• Schedule I: Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972

Source: DTE