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| Snow leopard
(Uncia uncia) |
| Range and reproduction of the snow leopard |
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For many years, the range of the snow leopard meant it was difficult to observe
the species in the wild.
A sufficiently large amount of information, providing in-depth knowledge of the
snow leopard's behaviour, was only recently collected.
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| Ethology |
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The snow leopard's range is heavily influenced by
the harsh environmental conditions and scarcity of prey. It seems a solitary animal
but in actual fact it is not. Stable couples have been observed with their offspring.
During their first winter the young hunt with their mother, therefore five individuals
have been observed together.
Essentially crepuscular, this predatory animal uses the same hunting techniques
of all cats: it lies hidden, gradually approaching its prey, then when it is close
enough it launches itself on its unwitting victim.
The female usually prepares a den for her cubs - rather similar to a nest - even
using her own belly fur.
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| Conservation status |
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Harsh environmental conditions and hunting by man
have taken their toll on this species, which has for many years been considered
at risk. In 1976 a database had already been set up, aimed at organising conservation
programmes to prevent total extinction. The last official census, in 1992, revealed
that there were 192 individuals (23 born in captivity) in various European zoos
and parks involved in these programmes. This gradual increase in the population
allows us to hold out hope for the species' future.
Listed on Appendix I, CITES.
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