The Snow Leopard (Panthera uncia) (11) is one of the endangered big cats and is a close relative of the Leopard (Panthera pardus) (8), (13). These two big cats have many similarities and are classified under the same family (Felidae), but live in drastically different habitats.
As a result the Snow Leopard has long dense fur which caters to both the summer and winter months in the high mountain ranges. The snow leopard's pelt also differs in colour, having a grey base with black rosettes which camouflage the leopard in the mountain. The snow leopard's tail is also much longer than the leopard, measuring in at approximately 90cms, helping the Snow Leopard balance as they navigate the mountains (16).
Snow Leopards are generally solitary creatures, with the exception of the breeding season when males and females will be found hunting together. Mating takes place primarily in February and March though can stretch out to May, resulting in later birth of cubs. During the females heat the Snow leopard becomes very vocal, restless and often there is a loss of appetite (16).
The length of the female gestation is 98-105 days and on average females will have litters of 1-5 cubs. The cubs will open their eyes after 7-9 days and will be weaned at 8-12 weeks. The cubs will stay with their mother through their first winter before they set off on their own, becoming sexually mature at three years of age. The Snow Leopard has been known to live for up to 15 years (16).
As a result the Snow Leopard has long dense fur which caters to both the summer and winter months in the high mountain ranges. The snow leopard's pelt also differs in colour, having a grey base with black rosettes which camouflage the leopard in the mountain. The snow leopard's tail is also much longer than the leopard, measuring in at approximately 90cms, helping the Snow Leopard balance as they navigate the mountains (16).
Snow Leopards are generally solitary creatures, with the exception of the breeding season when males and females will be found hunting together. Mating takes place primarily in February and March though can stretch out to May, resulting in later birth of cubs. During the females heat the Snow leopard becomes very vocal, restless and often there is a loss of appetite (16).
The length of the female gestation is 98-105 days and on average females will have litters of 1-5 cubs. The cubs will open their eyes after 7-9 days and will be weaned at 8-12 weeks. The cubs will stay with their mother through their first winter before they set off on their own, becoming sexually mature at three years of age. The Snow Leopard has been known to live for up to 15 years (16).