A Furry beauty – The Snow Leopard
Scientific name: Uncia uncia
IUCN status: Endangered
Habitat: Central and southern Asia – mountain ranges
Diet: Carnivore – including wild boar, sheep, goats, deer, hares, marmots, birds
Snow leopards have long, thick fur to keep them warm. Their huge, furry paws help them to grip on slippery rocks, act like snowshoes to prevent them from sinking into deep snow, and protect their pads from sharp rock edges. Their exceptionally long tails are used for wrapping around their face and body for warmth and for balance when leaping. Instead of roaring, they greet each other with quiet ‘chuffing’ sounds.Excellent jumpers, snow leopards can leap over 16 metres (the human world record long-jump is 8.95 metres!).
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Wonderful image…I had not appreciated how well their pattern hides them, even in grass.