SNOW LEOPARD
Panthera uncia

Over my head! Snow leopards dwell in the high mountains of central Asia. In recent years, they have rarely been seen except in Nepal and some parts of China.

Home alone: Snow leopards habitate in high mountains up to about 20,000 feet elevation and alpine meadows. In winter, they will follow prey down into forests below 6,000 feet. They live in caves and rock crevices.

Watch out! They stalk and ambush mountain goats, bharal (blue sheep), deer, boar, marmots, pikas, domestic livestock and even birds and mice.

Silent, but deadly! Head and body length is four to five feet; shoulder height is about two feet; and weight is 55-165 lbs. The coat is long and thick. Their base color varies from pale gray to creamy gray and the underparts are whitish. On the head, neck and lower limbs, there are solid spots; but on the sides and tail are large rings (or rosettes) often enclosing some small spots. The tail is three feet long and bushy, the longest tail in proportion to the body size of any cat. They have been known to leap 40-50 feet using the tail for balance when pouncing on prey. Although in the same genus as lions, tigers and other leopards, it is the only big cat that does not roar.

Reproduction: Breeding occurs at winter's end. Then, about 14 weeks later, the female makes a nest among the rocks and gives birth to two to five cubs. The newborn are blind the first week and start to crawl within 10 days. At two months, they can run and eat solid food as well as suckle. By midsummer, they follow their mother to hunt. They stay with their mother until about one year old.

Longevity: 20 years in captivity; 12-15 years in the wild.

What's the deal? A solitary hunter except during breeding and while cubs are being raised. Thick cushions of hair around the paw pads help with traction on ice and act as "snow shoes." While it is legally protected in India, Siberia and China and it is illegal to sell or possess its pelt, it continues to be poached and sold, especially in China, where a coat that took 16 snow leopard lives sells for $60,000.

Status: Endangered.

*Roger Williams Park Zoo is a participant in the Species Survival Program, a cooperative effort by zoos to manage the population of rare and endangered animals. Read more.

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