Species of the week: Snow leopard

Species of the week:
Snow leopard(Pantheria uncia)

1. They are found in the alpine areas of Central Asia, in altitudes of 3350 to 6700 metres.
2. They weigh around 27-55kg and stand about 60-70 cm tall.
3. Snow leopards cannot roar. They vocalize by hisses, meows, growlings,wailing and chuffing.
4. They lead a solitary life but mothers are often seen staying with their cubs for an extensive time.
5. They are extremely territory. They live in territories from 12 km2 to 40 km2.
6. Their densities depend on prey availability. If prey is scarce then less animals will be around.
7. Their favorite prey is the blue sheep(Pseudois nayaur) and they are often found around these animals.
8. Snow leopards mate during late winter with a gestation period that lasts 90-100 days.
9. One to five cubs can be born but usually around 2 cubs are born from each female.
10. Snow leopards are deemed "Endangered"by the IUCN. Their main threats are retaliation killings for depredation on lifestock, loss of prey and the poaching.