In News
- Recently, a snow leopard conservationist named Charudutt Mishra was awarded the Whitely Gold Award.
Snow Leopard
- Scientific Name: Panthera uncia.
- Habitat: Cold High Mountains.
- These are found in 12 countries including China, Bhutan, Nepal, India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Russia & Mongolia.
- China has the world’s largest snow leopard population.
- Diet:
- Carnivore & hunt blue sheep, Argali wild sheep, ibex, marmots, pikas, hares, etc.
- Features:
- One of the world’s most elusive cats & are perfectly equipped to thrive in extreme, high-elevation habitats.
- Insulated with thick white-grey coats spotted with large black rosettes & wide, fur-covered feet act as natural snowshoes. The tail helps in balancing and also covers the body while sleeping.
- Shy & rarely seen in the wild.
- Threats:
- Increased conflict due to expansion of human settlement & livestock grazing.
- Poaching for trade in body parts and fur.
- Climate change & shrinkage in habitat.
- IUCN: Vulnerable
- Schedule I: Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972
Source: DTE
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