Jewel+Galbraith-+Snow+Leopard

=Snow Leopard (Uncia uncia)=



Habitat
Snow leopards are native to the mountains of Central Asia, the Himalayan mountains, and the Tibetan Plateau. Their range is approximately 2 million square kilometers, the majority of which is in China. Snow leopards generally live on cliffs or other steep, rocky terrain between 3,500 and 4,000 meters above sea level. This habitat allows the leopards to sneak up on prey easily.



Niche
Snow leopards are not as large as other cats in the big cat family. They weigh between about 28 and 55 kilograms, and measure 75 to 130 centimeters in body length, with a tail about the same length as their body. Their thick fur allows them to stay warm in their cold environment, and their large paws distribute their weight, making it easy for them to walk on snow. Most snow leopards are not agressively territorial, but their home areas are usually defined. The size of a leopard's range depends on how much prey is available in a given area, and five cats could live together in an area of anywhere between 100 and 1000 square kilometers. Snow leopards prey on a variety of animals, including sheep, goats, pigs, and Himalayan animals like tahrs, takins, and argalis. In the summer, they have been known to eat deer, hares, and marmots. In the wild, snow leopards usually live about nine to 13 years. They become able to reproduce at the age of two years. Snow leopards mate between December and March, and have a gestation period of 100 days. The size of their litters is generally between one and five cubs. Studies have shown that in Nepal, snow leopards' activity can be described as "crepuscular." This means that they are active from dawn until about 10 AM, and after a period of inactivity, become active again in the late afternoon and the evening. In India, however, snow leopards are usually nocturnal, because they eat humans' domesticated livestock, and must prey on it at night so as not to be caught by the humans. Snow leopards are solitary animals, but they do associate with each other during mating season, and often share their range with their mate. However, they are together for only a short period of time, and the males do not take part in raising the cubs. Unlike other large cats, snow leopards' unique vocal cords leave them unable to roar. Instead, they communicate with a soft puffing noise known as "prusten." Leopards are also unique in their ability to jump. Their muscular frame allows them to jump incredible lengths: up to 30 feet horizontally and 12 feet vertically.



Why is it Endangered?
The World Wildlife Fund estimates that there are currently about 4,510-7,350 snow leopards living in the wild. Snow leopards' survival is threatened by many factors. Because they feed on livestock, snow leopards are often killed by farmers who are angry that their sheep, goats, yaks, and other animals have been eaten. Also, their habitat is threatened due to the presence of livestock in the areas where snow leopards normally graze. Snow leopards are also poached by humans for their pelts and bones. The Endangered Species Act of 1973 is an act that protects certain species of animals that have been deemed to be "threatened" or "endangered." Species listed as endangered are in danger of becoming extinct in a good deal of their geographical range, while species listed as threatened have the potential to become threatened in the near future. Under the Endangered Species Act, a plan must be created for each endangered species that specifies the steps that must be taken to ensure the survival of the species. It also protects the species against human actions that could cause it harm. The snow leopard is currently protected by the Endangered Species Act, and was placed on the International Union for Conservation of Nature endangered species list in 1972.

Conservation Status
Many organizations are currently working towards saving the endangered snow leopard. For example, organizations like the Snow Leopard Conservancy and the World Wildlife Fund have instituted programs to build fences that will protect farmers' livestock from predation by the leopards and educate farmers on how to prevent leopards from eating their animals. The organizations hope that this will reduce the number of farmers who kill snow leopards out of retaliation after the leopards attack their herds. Ghana Shyam Gurung, a Nepalese conservation director from the World Wildlife Fund, says that the presence of greater numbers of leopards in certain areas shows that these conservation efforts are beginning to work. The Snow Leopard Trust has also instituted programs to help the snow leopard, including studies that track the animals and efforts to set aside wildlife reserves for the leopards.