Snow leopards are, in my opinion, one of the most beautiful of the wild cats. They are very powerful animals, who live across 12 different countries in Central Asia. They are found in rugged high mountains at elevations between 3,000 and 4,500m. So, not an easy place to live and hunt. However, the WWF has recorded them at 5.859m above sea level, which is about the same height as the highest mountain in Canada. It is the highest altitude ever recorded for big cats.

They are obviously endangered, as are sadly most animals, and the exact number is unknown. They fear that there are no more than 6,390 around the world, but could be as low as 3,920.

This, of course, is largely down to man.
These gorgeous animals face many threats including poaching. Some research shows that one snow leopard was killed and traded every day between 2008 and 2016, but the real extent could be bigger.
A frightening thought indeed.

They also face a number of other threats. For example, their mountain habitat is being destroyed by mining. Climate change also raises a number of challenges as well.

Snow Leopards can prey on animals up to three times their own body weight, but like all animals that hunt, they do not get a meal every time. They have massive thick tails and this helps to maintain balance and shield them from harsh weather. Their tails are almost as long as their entire body.

Unlike lions, they are unable to roar. Instead, they mew, yowl and growl. They also prusten which is known as chuffing and is a non-threatening noise made when they blow air through the nose.
The fur on their stomach is nearly five inches thick, and this obviously helps them to survive the hard cold climates.

They are also known as ghosts of the mountains, very rarely seen and live in solitude. They are the only big cats found in Asia's cold deserts. The deserts feature ice fields which suit the snow leopard

All in all, it’s a tough life for such a beautiful animal.
I was lucky enough to see a Mother and Cubs a few years ago at Twycross Zoo. They had a very large enclosure which you could sit and watch from the Café. We knew they were due to come out so got there and grabbed a seat and a disgusting coffee and waited and waited and waited. Just as we were about to go, they did come out, and what a wonderful experience that was I have to say.

So what can we do to help these wonderful animals stay in their own habitat?
Well, obviously stopping poaching would be a good start, but as most of it is done at night, it is not an easy one.
Or you can adopt a Snow Leopard, not literally, and the money goes towards trying to make sure that these gorgeous animals remain where they belong safely and not another animal you will only see in a Zoo.

All are welcome.
And please feel free to share all discussions you enjoy.