Snow Leopard
In the wild
Scientific name: Uncia uncia
Status: Classified as Endangered
Distribution: Mountains of central Asia
Type: Mammal
Diet: Carnivore
At Marwell Wildlife
Our female snow leopard is fed once a day, 5 days a week on a diet of meat. Twice a week she has a starve day, this is because in the wild snow leopards are known to gorge themselves when prey is caught and may not have the chance to eat again until the next big kill.
About Snow Leopards
The snow leopard has many adaptations for the cold habitat. They are insulated by thick hair, and their wide, fur-covered feet act as natural snowshoes. They also have an enlarged nasal cavity that warms the cold air as it is breathed in. The long, thick tail is almost a metre in length and is used for balance and as well as added insulation when wrapped around the body and face. The short forelimbs and long hind limbs enable this leopard to be particularly agile in its steep and rugged habitat. They are able to jump as far as 50 feet (15 meters).
Snow leopards prey on mountain sheep and goats, ibex, gazelle, boar and birds. They hunt at night and early in the morning. Although usually solitary they are sometimes seen hunting in pairs.
The main threat to the species is poaching for the fur trade and bones for the Traditional Chinese medicine trade.
Adopt a Snow Leopard from £50.00
Our General Adoption scheme includes all this:
- A special Adoption Certificate
- Recognition at your adopted animal's enclosure
- A photo of a Snow Leopard
- A day pass to Marwell Wildlife
- An annual subscription to Marwell News
- Snow Leopard fact sheet
- Presentation folder
- Access to online Adopters Zone
- Car sticker
Want to help even more? Choose Premium Adoption below!