Color snow leopard. Snow Leopard

Preserving the populations of the snow leopard (irbis) and the Altai mountain sheep (argali) in the Altai-Sayan ecoregion are the most important tasks for WWF. Both species are listed in the Red Book of the Russian Federation as endangered. The state of the populations of these species reflect the overall "health" of the ecosystem, so they can be called indicator species.

The snow leopard is the mysterious predator of Asia. Threats and solutions.

The snow leopard (irbis), a mysterious and enigmatic animal, is still one of the most understudied feline species in the world. Very little is known about the biology and ecology of this rare predator, and its abundance within the modern range is determined very conditionally. For many Asian peoples, this beast is a symbol of strength, nobility and power, the folklore of Asia is full of stories and legends about this elusive predator. Few people manage to see the snow leopard in the wild, much more often you can find traces of its life activity - scrapes, bullies of a predator on trees, wool, excrement, urinary points on stones.

The snow leopard is listed in the Red Book of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and has the status of a rare or endangered species in all 12 countries where it lives: Russia, Mongolia, China, Kazakhstan, Afghanistan, India, Kyrgyzstan, Nepal, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Bhutan.

According to WWF experts, there are about 70-90 snow leopards in the Russian part of the Altai-Sayan ecoregion, while there are no more than 4,000 rare predators on the planet.

Camera traps in Tuva captured the charismatic predator © Alexander Kuksin

Journalists are rarely taken to these places. Even trained people find it difficult to walk on the "land of the snow leopard" © M. Paltsyn

Snow leopard trail in the Argut river valley, Gorny Altai, March 2012 © Sergey Spitsyn

Festival "Land of the Snow Leopard" in Tuva © T. Ivanitskaya

What is WWF doing to save the snow leopard?

Back in 2002, WWF Russia experts prepared and approved by the Ministry natural resources Russian Federation. The document was developed taking into account the very limited experience of studying and protecting the species in Russia. The number of snow leopards in Russia, according to the Strategy, was estimated by WWF experts at 150-200 individuals, however, as shown by further studies in snow leopard habitats in 2003-2011. , the actual abundance of the species in Russia is at least two times lower and is unlikely to exceed 70-90 individuals. An updated version of the Strategy, taking into account the experience of work and new realities, was approved by the Ministry of Natural Resources of the Russian Federation in 2014.

In Russia, the snow leopard lives at the northern limit of its modern range and forms only a few stable groups in the optimal habitats - the mountains of the Altai-Sayan ecoregion. The number of snow leopards in Russia is only 1-2% of the world population of the species. The survival of the snow leopard in our country largely depends on the preservation of the spatial and genetic links of its Russian groups with the main population core of the species in Western Mongolia and, possibly, in Northwestern China.

In 2010, WWF moves to a new stage of work and, in cooperation with numerous partners, begins monitoring snow leopard populations with the help of modern methods research: photo and video traps. This method made it possible to clarify the boundaries of the habitat of groups and the abundance of the species. Disappointing conclusions were drawn from a study of the snow leopard group in the Argut River valley in the Altai Republic, previously considered the largest in Russia. The camera traps recorded only the lynx, despite the fact that the conditions for the existence of the snow leopard on the Argut are ideal: high mountains, rocky gorges, the presence of the largest group of Siberian ibex in Russia in 3200-3500 individuals - the main food of the snow leopard in the Altai-Sayan Mountains. Surveys of local residents revealed the fact of the almost complete destruction of the snow leopard group on the Argut in the 70-90s of the twentieth century, when loop fishing flourished in the mountains. The task of WWF was to preserve the surviving remnants of the group and gradually restore its numbers.

Support for anti-poaching activities is becoming one of the priorities of WWF. In the same year, at the initiative of WWF, a search dog German Shepherd Eric was trained to work in the Altai Mountains in order to search for and identify traces of the life of the snow leopard, which became an assistant to specialists in the field.

In 2012, employees of the Altai biosphere reserve and WWF managed to obtain the first photographic evidence of the snow leopard's habitat: the cameras recorded a female and a male, who received the names Vita and Kryuk. In addition to photomonitoring to account for and study the elusive predator in collaboration with scientists from the Institute of Ecology and Evolution named after. A. N. Severtsov RAS (IPEE RAS), scientists use the method of DNA analysis of the collected traces of the life of the snow leopard (excrement, wool, etc.), SLIMS and other modern methods ...

In 2011, in Altai, in order to divert the local population from poaching, illegal collection of wild plants or logging in the region, the WWF and Citi Foundation Program was launched to improve the quality of life of local residents and create sustainable income from sustainable businesses. Through training seminars, exchange of experience, and provision of microgrants and microcredits for the local population, WWF and Citi aim to develop legal small businesses in the field of rural tourism and ecotourism in the habitats of the Altai mountain sheep and snow leopard, the production of souvenirs and felt products, and improve performance livestock quality, etc.

In 2015, with the support of Pernod Ricard Rouss, WWF specialists for the first time tested the method of involving former hunters in environmental projects. Having passed a special training and received cameras for monitoring the snow leopard, residents receive a reward for the fact that the snow leopard continues to be recorded by camera traps, remains alive and well. There are already six people, including hunters from families of hereditary leopard hunters, who have been trained to work with cameras and participate in WWF raids, helping inspectors with information, forces and participating in expeditions.

The snow leopard is a predator that does not recognize state borders. The well-being of this species directly depends on the connection of Russian groups with snow leopard groups in neighboring Mongolia and China. Therefore, the development of transboundary environmental cooperation is a priority task for WWF in the region. Joint research, exchange of experience, scientific, environmental and educational activities with WWF Mongolia and colleagues from other environmental structures in Mongolia are carried out annually and quite effectively. Joint projects with colleagues from Kazakhstan include the creation of protected natural areas and support for joint environmental activities.

Camera trap in the Chibit tract

Sergey Istomov fixes snow leopard tracks

Irbis on Tsagaan-Shibetu, Tuva © A. Kuksin

What remains of the master of the mountains

What to do next

Today, the main threat to the snow leopard in the region remains illegal fishing with wire loops. An inconspicuous noose is set by a poacher on an animal path along which animals move, and, tightening as the animal moves, becomes a deadly trap. Cheap nooses are often thrown by poachers and they remain wary long years threatening animals with death. According to WWF experts, there are only a few cases of purposeful hunting of the snow leopard in the region. More often, the loops are installed on other types of animals, in particular, on the musk deer, whose musk gland is an excellent and expensive trophy, which is valued on the eastern market of medicines and potions. Musk deer poaching is a big threat to the snow leopard.

In conditions of insufficiently efficient equipment and a small number of employees of state structures for the protection of wildlife, WWF provides logistical support for operational activities in the habitats of rare and endangered species. Particular attention is paid to the fight against loop fishing.

Work in the Republic of Tyva has its own characteristics. In the region with the highest livestock population in the Siberian federal district shepherds live in the highlands almost side by side with the snow leopard. The decline in the number of wild ungulates, climate change are the reasons forcing the snow leopard to attack livestock, which is a source of life for pastoralists. Shooting or trapping a snow leopard by local residents in retaliation for attacking livestock is a big threat to the predator in Tuva. To reduce conflict situations WWF is taking different steps. Thus, a scheme was tested to compensate shepherds for livestock lost as a result of an attack by a snow leopard, and measures are being taken to foster a special attitude towards a rare predator among local residents. In 2010, thanks to a simple but effective measure By reinforcing ventilation openings in covered cattle pens with chain-link mesh, it was possible to prevent snow leopard attacks on livestock and save the lives of many predators.

Today, about 19% of key snow leopard habitats and 31% of argali habitats in Russia have the status of protected natural areas. WWF plans to expand the network of protected areas or improve the status, as well as the quality of protection of management and existing protected areas. The number of the group in the valley of the Argut River is growing - photo and video traps record the habitation of females with kittens here, a new habitat of the snow leopard has been found on the Chikhachev Ridge. In 2015, for the first time, an online information system was developed for snow leopard specialists, which will collect all available information on each snow leopard encountered in Russia and Mongolia - from frames from automatic cameras to meeting points and features of each snow leopard.

International cooperation between Russia, Mongolia and Kazakhstan should develop, ensuring the conservation of animals that do not recognize state borders.

WWF will continue to take a comprehensive approach and work in partnership with multiple partners. This will optimize resources and ensure the long-term conservation of these species in Altai and the Sayan Mountains.

Snow leopard, snow leopard, snow leopard or snow cat - so many names, but so few left in the wild. Irbis (irbiz), by the way, is a Turkic name, which actually means a snow cat.

The snow leopard belongs to the subfamily big cats and allocated to a separate genus - snow leopard (Uncia uncia), although according to another classification it belongs to the genus Panther (Panther uncia). Such an ambiguous animal. Today, according to various estimates, from 4 to 7 thousand individuals of the snow leopard remain in the wild. Unfortunately, these beauties are on the verge of extinction.

The snow leopard is one of the least studied wild cats. This is a consequence of the fact that today the snow leopard lives mainly in hard-to-reach highlands. But we still know some interesting facts about them:

1. Snow leopard is a rather large cat. Its weight can reach 50-60 kilograms, which is less than African or far eastern leopard, but at the same time it is a very strong animal, capable of hunting twice its prey.

2. The irbis has a very long tail. Together in it, the total length of the animal reaches 230 cm!

3. These kitties are incredibly bouncy. While hunting, they are able to jump 6 meters in length and 3 meters in height.

4. Snow leopards live high in the mountains. There are recorded cases of snow leopard detection at an altitude of 6000 meters.

5. The snow leopard constantly roams. Its territory can reach 1000 square kilometers.

6. The life expectancy of these animals is 20-25 years, which is higher than most other large cats. Apparently, the effect of clean mountain air. 😃

7. The snow leopard is a loner cat. They pair up only for a very short mating season.

8. The female is able to bring offspring twice a year.

9. Irbis, like most other cats, is nocturnal. However, if necessary, he can be active in the daytime. Although most often during the day he sleeps in his lair, usually in small caves.

10. Like its leopard relatives, the snow leopard has very good eyesight.

11. Thanks to its wide paws, the irbis is able to move through the snow without falling into it.

Here's an interesting cat. Let's hope we can keep it. I tell us because snow leopards also live in Russia. According to scientists, today there are about 200 individuals left in the wild nature of Russia. Of course, they are listed in the Red Book.

The snow leopard is one of the most beautiful and mysterious species of tigers.

The word "irbis" was adopted by Russian merchant furriers from hunters in Asia as early as the 17th century. In Tuva, this animal was called irbish, in Semirechye it was called ilbers, east of Alma-Ata in the regions bordering China - irviz. In the Turkic language - irbiz, which means "snow cat". This word has taken root in Russian, only over time last letter changed from "z" to "s"

The snow leopard (irbis; Latin names - Uncia uncia and Panthera uncia) is a mammal from the cat family that lives in the mountain ranges of Central Asia. Among the large cats, the irbis is the only permanent inhabitant of the highlands. The range of the snow leopard includes parts of the territories of 13 states: Afghanistan, Burma, Bhutan, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, China, Mongolia, Nepal, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan. The range of the snow leopard in Russia is 2-3% of the modern world range. In Russia, the snow leopard is found in the Krasnoyarsk Territory, in Khakassia, in Tyva and in the Altai Republic, in the mountains of the Eastern Sayan, in particular, on the Tunkinsky Goltsy and Munku-Sardyk ridges.

Despite the outward resemblance to a leopard (in English, the snow leopard is called "Snow Leopard" - a snow leopard), the relationship between it and the irbis is not very close, besides, the size of the irbis is noticeably smaller. However, the irbis is much stronger and is considered the most ferocious predator of the cat family.

The main coat color is light gray, appearing white in contrast with black spots. This coloration perfectly camouflages the beast in natural environment his dwellings - among the dark rocks, stones, white snow and ice. The spots are in the form of rosettes, inside which there may be an even smaller spot. In this respect, the snow leopard is similar to the jaguar. In the area of the head, neck and limbs, the rosettes turn into black strokes. The wool is very thick and long (up to 55 mm) and serves as protection from the cold in harsh climatic conditions. From head to tail, the snow leopard is 140 cm long, the tail itself is 90-100 cm long. If we compare the length of the tail and body, then of all the cats, the snow leopard has the longest tail, it is more three quarters body length. The tail of the snow leopard serves as a balancer when jumping. The length of the jump during the hunt is up to 14-15 meters. The weight of an adult snow leopard can reach 100 kg.

Irbis is a predator living and hunting alone. Each snow leopard lives within the boundaries of a strictly defined individual territory. Hunts in most cases before sunset and in the morning at dawn. In the wild, snow leopards mainly feed on ungulates: blue sheep, Siberian mountain goats, markhor goats, argali, tars, takins, serows, gorals, roe deer, deer, musk deer, deer, wild boars. In addition, from time to time they also feed on small animals atypical for their diet, such as ground squirrels, pikas and birds (kekliks, snowcocks, pheasants). In Russia, the main food for the snow leopard is Mountain goat, in some places also deer, roe deer, argali, reindeer. As a rule, the snow leopard quietly sneaks up to its prey and jumps at it with lightning speed. Often uses high stones for this, in order to unexpectedly throw the victim to the ground with a jump from above and kill. In late summer, autumn and early winter, snow leopards often hunt in families of 2-3 individuals, which are formed by a female with her cubs. The snow leopard is able to cope with prey three times its mass.

There is a recorded case of successful hunting of two snow leopards for a two-year-old Tien Shan brown bear. Vegetable food - green parts of plants, grass, etc. - snow leopards eat in addition to the meat diet only in summer. Irbis do not emit a loud inviting roar, characteristic of large cats, but purr like small ones. During the rut, the animals make sounds similar to bass meowing. An adult snow leopard, like most other cats, has 30 teeth. Leopards (snow leopard cubs) are born blind and helpless, but after about 6-8 days they begin to see clearly. The weight of a newborn snow leopard is about 500 grams with a length of up to 30 cm. The maximum known life expectancy in nature is 13 years.

Life expectancy in captivity is usually about 21 years, but a case is known when a female has lived for 28 years. Illegal but financially attractive hunting for snow leopard fur has significantly reduced its population. In the black markets of Asia, the skin of this beast can bring up to 60 thousand dollars. In all countries of its existence, the snow leopard is placed under state protection, but poaching still threatens it.
Recently, the number of snow leopards has increased slightly and today is between 3,500 and 7,500 individuals, after only a thousand in the 1960s. The largest snow leopard population is in China, where there are between 2,000 and 5,000 individuals.
There are 150-200 snow leopards in Russia.

Approximately 2000 individuals of snow leopards are kept in zoos around the world and successfully breed in captivity. The snow leopard has become a symbol of the city of Alma-Ata and is depicted on its coat of arms. A stylized winged snow leopard is depicted on the emblems of Khakassia and Tatarstan. Irbis can also be seen on the emblem of the city of Bishkek, the capital of the Kyrgyz Republic. The coat of arms of Samarkand (Uzbekistan) depicts a white leopard.

In honor of the snow leopard, the hockey club "Ak Bars" (translated from the Tatar language - "white leopard") - an ice hockey team from the city of Kazan, as well as the hockey club "Barys" - an ice hockey team from the city of Astana ( Kazakhstan).

Animal beds can be found both in places with a good view, and in shelters among stone ruins, bushes, at the foot of rocky walls. For a long rest, mainly second-type beds are used. Beds on rocky ledges, on open ridges dominating the surrounding area, attract snow leopards primarily as a survey. This conclusion is confirmed by the fact that the routes of the animals do not bypass such points, regardless of whether the snow leopards lie down there or just stop to inspect the adjacent slopes. Traces of sitting animals were noted in such places.

The imprints of the snow leopard's feet are enclosed in a smooth semicircle left on the snow with a tucked tail. On the bed, the length of the spot melted under the body of the animal is 65-72, the width is 40-45 cm. If the snow leopard changed its position, the size of the bed can increase by 1.5-2 times (in a particular case, 85-125 cm). As an example of the snow leopard's shelter, we will give its description, made on January 24, 1988. on the right-bank slope of the river valley. Chon-Kyzyl-Su. Irbis, apparently a large male, settled down to rest on a narrow ledge of the slope at the lower edge of a large open stone placer. From here, a spruce forest stretched down the slope. The beast lay down in a small semi-grotto formed by stone slabs and a fragment of a fallen tree trunk sandwiched between them. Right in front of the bed stood a tall spruce about 40cm thick.

At the bottom of the recess there is a platform with a noticeable slope, covered with dry needles, spruce branches; there was no snow here. The niche went under the "roof" for half a meter, its height was 25-30cm. On the edge of the bed, where the animal touched the snow, its surface was densely iced over. The clear footprints of the front paws imprinted here were also iced over. Descending from this lair into the valley, the snow leopard walked for several hundred meters along a continuous spruce forest, passing through its rather dense curtains.

It was strange to see the footprint of a typical alpine animal in an environment, in fact, taiga. Meanwhile, animals visit the Tien Shan spruce belt quite often in winter. They periodically cross wide valleys, regardless of either large elevation differences or the boundaries of vertical landscape belts. However, the main routes of snow leopards still flow in the highlands. Ridges and spurs serve as guide lines for animals.

Even more than along mountain ridges, snow leopards love to walk along the foothills of rock masses. In this connection, the increase in the marking activity (frequency of scrapes) of animals on the way along linear landmarks is also indicative. Individuals have their favorite routes and repeat them regularly. At the same time, they can follow their former trace, if it is preserved on the snow. One day, a fresh snow leopard track led us to a scrape left by the same or another animal a few days earlier. But more often the animals do not strictly adhere to the former path, therefore, well-trodden paths near the snow leopard, in contrast to, for example, the tiger, are not formed. Animals that move in winter in pairs or in larger groups (usually broods) do not follow for a long time “trail in trail”.

Irbis diverge, moving in a parallel course, and when hunting, they undertake complex maneuvers, sometimes taking an advantageous position for hunting at a distance from their partner. Cases have been repeatedly noted when a lynx passed along the trail of the snow leopard. The possibility of such an overlap of trace chains once again emphasizes the care with which the recognition of the tracks of these cats in areas where they live together should be taken into account.

Many rare animals of the planet, as everyone knows, are listed in one list - this is the Red Book. The snow leopard is one of the endangered species, and today "Me and the World" will talk about this beautiful, wild animal.

From the article you will learn: what does it look like, what does it eat, where does it live and how long does it live?

What is a snow cat?

The snow leopard is also called differently - the irbis, or a beautiful, purring cat. Imagine, this predator does not know how to growl at all!

In appearance, it resembles a leopard, but with spots on a smoky gray rather than yellow coat and is slightly smaller in size. An adult cat, growing up, gains from 25 to 50 kg of weight, and if you measure the length, then 2-2.30 m. Moreover, almost 1 m falls on the tail alone and it helps to balance when jumping.

The color of the eyes is really feline: yellow-green, but with a round pupil. And in the mouth there are sharp and strong teeth - 30 pieces. A flexible, muscular body allows you to run fast, and paws with wide feet allow you to quietly sneak up on prey. And, of course, sight and smell are perfectly developed. Among all cats, snow leopards grow the longest coat by winter: up to 6 cm, which allows them to survive the harsh cold of the highlands. See how beautiful the leopard looks in the photo.

Places of residence

The birthplace of snow cats is the high and sometimes inaccessible mountains of the center of Russia, Mongolia, Tatarstan, Kazakhstan and other countries of the East. Their habitats are extensive: hundreds of kilometers to a height of 5000 m and down to coniferous forests. Snow leopards bypass their territory regularly, and alone and let only 2-3 females into their “home”.

Barsiki live up to 13 years, and in captivity life expectancy increases to 20 years. A case was recorded when a female lived in a zoo for 28 years.

Mining

Irbis are nocturnal animals, they hunt only at dusk, and during the day they sleep in the lair, sometimes they go out to bask in the sun. Interesting fact: having killed the prey and sated, the remains never hides and does not return to this place. Everything goes to vultures or other scavengers, and this is quite a lot, because at a time the snow leopard eats only about 3 kg of meat. Pursuing prey, they can reach speeds of up to 65 km / h, but at short distances. They hunt roe deer, deer, wild boars three times their size. Do not disdain rodents, hares and birds.

In summer they chew green grass in addition to meat food. And if the year is given out hungry, they come to people's homes and attack livestock.

A person is never attacked. There were a couple of cases when a snow leopard with rabies inflicted severe injuries on two hunters and an old hungry beast attacked a peacefully walking person.

kids

Irbis cubs are born every two years in the middle of spring - early summer, small and blind, 2-3, but sometimes 5 kittens at once. Babies begin to open their eyes after a week. The mother feeds them for up to six months, although from the age of two months she begins to feed them with meat. All that is needed for life, young kittens take over from their mother, fathers never try to raise their babies.

Poaching

Why is it listed in the Red Book? Illegal hunting for snow leopards leads to the extinction of the species, although measures against poachers have recently become tougher and the animal population is slowly but increasing. Because of their beautiful skin, they are shot, which on the black market can cost up to $ 60,000.

Therefore, in many countries of the world, snow leopards are listed in the Red Book. How many are left on earth? According to the latest estimates, about 7500 individuals. There are only 200 snow cats in Russia. Of course, you can save unique animals in zoos, but is this life for freedom-loving, wild animals?

The problem of the disappearance of rare animals is relevant in the world to this day. Such a terrible threat hung over another of the leopards - the Caucasian. Until the middle of the 20th century, they shot him like wolves, and even received a bonus. And as a result, they stopped talking and writing about him, it was believed that he had completely disappeared. But gradually began to receive reports of meetings with animals. There was hope for replenishment of the species.

We have shown you a photo and description of a rare snow leopard or irbis. We must hope and do everything so that the population of animals grows more and more every year. And for this, since 2010, a program has been launched to increase the view under the leadership of Vladimir Putin.

Origin of the species and description

Irbis are representatives predatory mammals. They belong to the cat family, are allocated to the genus and species of snow leopards. The theory of the origin of this amazing and very graceful predator has not yet been formed.

At the end of the 16th century, Russian fur traders and artisans heard from Turkic hunters about a mysterious handsome man, whom they called "Irbiz". For the first time, Europeans were able to see an outlandish cat in 1761. The researcher Georges Buffon showed pictures to the European nobility, which depicted a very beautiful wild cat. He supplemented his pictures with information that they are trained and brought up to participate in hunting in Persia.

Video: Irbis

Since then, many scientific researchers and zoologists have been interested in this amazing beast. In 1775, the German naturalist zoologist Johann Schreber wrote a whole treatise, which was devoted to the origin and evolution of animals, as well as a description of their appearance and lifestyle. Subsequently, the Russian scientist Nikolai Przhevalsky also studied the life of the snow leopard. A number of scientific, including genetic, examinations were carried out, according to which it was possible to establish that the approximate existence of a predator of the cat family is about one and a half million years.

The first remains of the animal, which by all indications belonged to the snow leopard, were discovered on the western border of Mongolia, in Altai. They are dated to the late Pleistocene period. The next significant find is the remains of an animal in the northern region of Pakistan. Their approximate age is one and a half million years. Initially, snow leopards were classified as panthers. A little later, studies showed that the snow leopard and panther have no direct common features.

This representative of the cat family has distinctive features that are not inherent in other representatives of this family. This gives grounds for isolating them into a separate genus and species. Although today there is no exact information about the origin of the genus of snow leopards, scientists are inclined to believe that the snow leopard and panther did not have common ancestors. The results of a genetic examination suggest that they separated into a separate branch a little more than a million years ago.

Appearance and features

The snow leopard is an animal of incredible beauty and grace. The body length of one adult is 1-1.4 meters. Animals have a very long tail, the length of which is equal to the length of the body. Tail length - 0.8-1 meter. The tail plays a very important role. Animals use it to maintain balance in mountainous areas and to warm their front and hind legs in snow and frost. The mass of one adult is 30-50 kilograms.

Sexual dimorphism is not pronounced, but males are somewhat larger than females. Predators have large front paws with round pads measuring 1 * 1 cm. Long hind feet provide fast movement among mountain peaks and dexterous, graceful jumps. The limbs are not very long, but thick and powerful paws. The paws have retractable claws. Thanks to this, there are no traces of claws on the snow where the graceful predator has passed.

The predator of the cat family has round shape head, but which are small, triangular ears. AT winter period in thick, long fur they are practically invisible. Animals have very expressive, round-shaped eyes. The snow leopard has long, thin whiskers. Their length reaches a little over ten centimeters.

Interesting fact. The snow leopard has very long and thick fur, which keeps it warm in harsh climates. The length of the coat reaches 50-60 centimeters.

region of the spinal column and side surface the bodies are gray, close to white. The abdomen area, the inner surface of the limbs and the lower abdomen has a lighter tone. A unique color is provided by ring-shaped dark, almost black rings. Inside these rings are smaller rings. Circles of the smallest size are located in the head area. Gradually, from the head, along the neck and torso to the tail, the size increases.

The largest size rings are located in the neck and limbs. On the back and tail, the rings merge, forming transverse stripes. The tip of the tail is always black. The color of the winter fur is smoky gray with an orange tint. This color allows them to go unnoticed by steep rocks and snowdrifts. By summer, the coat becomes light, almost white.

Where does the snow leopard live?

Animals live only in mountainous areas. The average height of its permanent habitat is 3000 meters above sea level. However, in search of food, they can easily climb to a height twice this figure. In general, the habitat of the snow leopard is very diverse. The largest number animals is concentrated in the countries of Central Asia.

Geographic regions of the snow leopard:

Mongolia;
Afghanistan;
Kyrgyzstan;
Uzbekistan;
Tajikistan;
China;
India;
Kazakhstan;
Russia.

In our country, the population of the feline predator is not numerous. They are located mainly in Khakassia, Altai Territory, Tyva, Krasnoyarsk Territory. The animal lives in such mountains as the Himalayas, Pamirs, Kun-Lun, Sayan Mountains, Hindu Kush, in the mountains of Tibet, and many others. Also, animals live in the territory of protected and protected areas. These include the territory of the national park Altushinsky, Sayano-Shushensky.

Most often, the predator chooses the territory of steep stone cliffs, deep gorges and thickets of bushes as a habitat. Irbis prefer regions with low snow cover. In search of food can go down to forest areas, however, spends most of the time in mountainous areas. In some regions, snow leopards live at an altitude not exceeding a thousand kilometers above sea level. In regions such as the Turkestan Range, it mainly lives at an altitude of 2.5 thousand meters, and in the Himalayas it climbs to a height of six and a half thousand meters. In winter, they can change their location depending on the regions where ungulates live.

The territory of Russia accounts for no more than 2% of the total habitat of predators. Each adult individual occupy a special territory, which is prohibited for others.

What does a snow leopard eat?

By nature, the snow leopard is a predator. It feeds exclusively on food of meat origin. He can hunt both birds and large ungulates.

What is the feed base:

Sheep;
Argali;
Serau;
Kekliky;
Feathered;
Mountain goats.

For one meal, an animal needs 3-4 kilograms of meat to be completely satiated.

Interesting fact. The snow leopard takes food only at home. After a successful hunt, the leopard carries its prey to the lair and eats it only there.

Irbis is a unique hunter, and in one hunt it can get several victims at once. In summer, it can eat berries or various types of vegetation, young shoots. For a successful hunt, the leopard chooses the most convenient position for an ambush. It mainly chooses places near waterfalls where animals come to drink, as well as near paths. Attacks with a sharp, lightning-fast ambush jump. A taken aback animal does not have time to react and becomes the prey of a predator. The leopard usually attacks from a distance of several tens of meters.

An animal of especially large size attacks with a jump on its back and immediately bites into the throat, tries to bite or break its neck. Irbis, as a rule, has no competitors. He feeds fresh meat, and leaves everything not eaten to other predators or birds.

During the period of famine, it can descend from the mountains and hunt livestock - sheep, shelter, pigs, etc. Feathers, rodents and smaller animals are a food source only when there is an acute shortage of larger animals in the region where predators live.

Features of character and lifestyle

Irbis prefer a solitary lifestyle. Each adult individual chooses a specific habitat, which is prohibited for other members of the species. If other individuals of this family enter the habitat, regardless of gender, they do not show pronounced aggression. The habitat of one individual is from 20 to 150 square kilometers.

Each individual marks its territory with marks with a specific smell, as well as marks of claws on trees. In the conditions of existence in national parks, or reserves, where animals are limited in territory, they try to stay at a distance of at least two kilometers from each other. In rare exceptions, snow leopards exist in pairs.

It is most active at night. They go hunting at dawn or after dark. Most often, he develops a certain route and, in search of food, moves only along it. The route consists of places of watering and pastures of ungulates. In the process of overcoming its route, it does not miss the opportunity to catch smaller food.

In each route, the snow leopard has landmarks. As such, there may be waterfalls, rivers, streams, high mountain peaks or rocks. The passage of the chosen route takes from one to several days. During this period of time, the predator overcomes from ten to thirty kilometers.

In winter, when the thickness of the snow cover increases, the predator is forced to first tread its own paths in order to be able to hunt. This can play a cruel joke on him, since the paths visible in the snow and the habit of not changing their route make them easy prey for poachers. Animals are able to develop great speed and, thanks to their long feet, jump in length by 10-15 meters.

Interesting fact: Irbis- this is the only representative of the cat family, which is unusual for growling. They often make long sounds. This is especially true for females in the period marital relations. Such a sound, which is formed by passing air masses through the nostrils, females notify males of their location.

This sound is also used as a greeting by individuals to each other. Facial expressions and direct contact are also used as communication. In order to demonstrate strength, animals open their mouths wide, exposing their long fangs. If the predators good mood and are peaceful, they slightly open their mouths without showing fangs, and also wrinkle their nose.

Social structure and reproduction

Animals tend to lead a solitary lifestyle. Individuals of the opposite sex communicate with each other only during the period of marriage. Mating of females occurs every two years. By nature, animals are monogamous. When existing in captivity or in the conditions of national parks and protected areas, they can be monogamous.

The period of marriage is highly dependent on the time of year. It starts with the onset of winter and lasts until mid-spring. Females attract males by making a long, creaking sound. The males respond to the call. When individuals of different sexes are found in the same territory, she behaves more actively. She raises her tail with a pipe and walks around the male. In the process of mating, the male holds the female in one position, grabbing the hair in the withers area with his teeth. Pregnancy of the female lasts 95-115 days. In the period from mid-spring to mid-summer, small kittens appear. Most often, one female is able to reproduce no more than three kittens. In exceptional cases, five kittens may be born. The female leaves to give birth to her babies in stone gorges.

Interesting fact. The female makes a kind of hole in the gorge, lining its bottom with wool from her stomach.

The weight of each newborn kitten is 250-550 grams. Babies are born blind, after 7-10 days their eyes open. The lair is abandoned after two months. Upon reaching 4-5 months of age, they participate in hunting. Up to six months, the mother feeds her babies with mother's milk. Upon reaching the age of two months, kittens begin to gradually join the solid, meat food. Females reach sexual maturity at the age of three, males at the age of four. During the first year, they maintain the closest possible relationship with the mother.

The average life expectancy of predators is 13-15 years in vivo. In captivity, life expectancy can increase up to 27 years.

Natural enemies of snow leopards

The snow leopard is considered an animal that stands at the very top of the food pyramid and has practically no competitors and enemies. In some cases, interspecific hostility occurs, during which adult, strong individuals die. Often there is hostility between snow leopards and. Adult, strong individuals pose a threat to young and immature snow leopards.

The greatest threat is the man who kills animals in pursuit of valuable fur. AT Asian countries in medicine, skeletal elements are often used as an alternative to tiger bones for the manufacture of medicines.

Population and species status

Today, this amazing and very graceful predator is on the verge of extinction. This status of this species of animals is caused by a number of specific reasons.

Reasons for the extinction of the species:

The habitat of individual groups of animals is very remote from each other;
Slow reproduction rates;
Impoverishment of the food base - a decrease in the number of artiodactyls;
Poaching;
Very late onset of puberty.

According to the data world organization for the protection of animals in the world, there are from 3 to 7 thousand individuals. Another 1.5-2 thousand animals exist in zoos and national parks. According to approximate statistics, the number of individuals in Russia has decreased by a third over last decade. The disappearance of the species was also facilitated by a sharp decrease in the number of mature females.

Snow leopard protection

In order to protect this species predatory animals is listed in the International Book, as well as in the Red Book of Russia, as an endangered species. Listed in the Red Book of Mongolia in 1997 and given the status of "very rare view". Today, in order to preserve and increase the number of these amazing predators national parks and protected areas are being created in which animals breed.

In 2000, the animal was included in the IUCN Red List under the highest protection category. In addition, the snow leopard is listed in the first Appendix of the Convention on Interethnic Trade in Various Species of Animals and Plants. In all countries in whose territory the animal lives, hunting and destruction of the handsome man are officially, at the legislative level, prohibited. Violation of this requirement is a criminal offence.

Snow Leopard is a mysterious and very graceful animal. It is a symbol of greatness, power and fearlessness of many countries. It is unusual for him to attack a person. This can only happen in rare exceptions.