“Snow Leopard Solitude: A Lone Presence in the Majestic Himalayas”
TPO – Snow leopards are one of the most mysterious and least known cat species. Despite its name, the fox has more in common with the tiger as both species share the same ancestors. However, about 2 million years ago, nature decided to separate them.
Until now, snow leopards were classified as a separate genus of cats – Uncia. Since 2006, after comprehensive genetic analysis, these cats have been classified as Panthera. Territory
Snow leopard, toxins in the Himalayas photo 1 Snow leopard.
The Snow Leopard is a rather mysterious cat, so it is surprising that it lives near another mysterious creature, the Yeti. Specifically it exists in the Himalayas, the Tibetan plateau and in Central Asia. In summer, it occurs at altitudes between 3,350 and 6,700 m. It is sometimes seen by Himalayan mountaineers. Snow leopards also inhabit both forests and grasslands, and mountainous areas. In winter, snow leopards move to lower areas from 1,200 to 2,000 m. Snow leopards are the least known cats. That’s because the areas they inhabit are difficult to reach and the size of the territory is large. Lifestyle
Snow leopards, toxins in the Himalayas photo 2 Young snow leopards.
Snow leopards live alone like most big cats (except lions). We only live in pairs during mating season. Mainly active at dusk and dawn. To find food, snow leopards have to cross our territory using familiar routes. The snow leopard can walk even in thick places up to 85 cm thick, however, it often follows the footprints of other animals for convenience. The leopard hunts in areas it has pre-selected, although even if it encounters other reports it will not give a very decisive answer. The snow leopard’s hunting territory – depending on the terrain – ranges from 12 to 40 square kilometers. Snow leopards can cross 40 km during the night. Snow leopard, the best jumping cat Snow leopard can jump 15 meters. Even a lion with a jump of about 12 meters could not win the snow report in this fight. Number of
Snow leopard, toxins in the Himalayas photo 3 Snow leopard.
The number of notifications is very small. In 1994, there were an estimated 4,000 to 6,500 bodies. Today, it is believed that there are fewer than 2,000 – 3,000 animals. In the world zoo there are about 600 snow leopards. In Europe, you can find snow leopards in Poland. You can also find them in some interesting gardens – in Gdańsk, Cracow, Łódź, Opole, Płock, Poznań and Warsaw. Snow leopard conservation is on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s list of protected species. It also includes conventions on international trade and endangered species of wildlife that promote the wildlife trade regime.