Snow leopard
Panthera uncia
The territory of the snow leopard, which lives in the mountain ranges of Central Asia, can be as large as 100 km2. Its thick coat, hairy paw pads and snout structure, which warms inhaled air well, help the snow leopard cope in wind and frost. It uses its long tail to warm itself and for balance on steep slopes.
In the summer, snow leopards can live as high as 6,000 m above sea level, but in the winter they come down the mountain to follow their prey. In the winter, their fur goes slightly paler, but even then the snow leopard is not completely white.
Conservation
This species and the individuals living in Korkeasaari Zoo are part of an ex-situ conservation programme by the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria EAZA, known as the EEP. The aim of the EEP is to maintain a healthy zoo population of the species, and to make reintroductions to the wild possible in the future if needed.
Snow leopard is part of the CITES convention, which regulates the international trade of endangered or threatened animals and plants.
Korkeasaari Zoo has an ongoing project to support the conservation of snow leopards in the wild.
Cat Valley
EAZA Ex-situ Programme
Endangerment
Distribution
Habitat
Diet
Size
Lifespan
Up to 15 years
Scientific classification
Order: Carnivora
Family: Felidae