Snow+leopard

==Snow leopard is a large cat.It's not believed to be related to the Leopard or other members of Pantherine group. Although snow leopards and leopards share the same black-spot markings they have many differences in their appearance. For example, the snow leopard has longer fur to protect it from cold and the general ground coloration of the snow leopard is predominately grey. They are also smaller than other members of Pantherine group, but they have a huge tail which can be up to 900cm long because it helps the cat to keep its balance when moving over rugged terrain. Their paws are also very wide for the same reason.==

==Snow leopards can be found in the rocky mountain rages of Central Asia (Mongolia, China, Tibet and the Himalayan regions of Afghanistan). They live about 2000-4000 meters above sea level but as winter comes they follow their prey down to the lowland forrests.==

==Snow leopard is a carnivore and they can kill animals three times their own size. Unlike other cats Snow leopards' diet also consists quite significant amount of vegetation, like for example grass. Snow leopards activily hunt for their prey and they usually ambush their prey from above. They can leap over 14 meters. Snow leopards are usually solitary hunters but they might share the task with its mate during breeding season. When two snow leopards hunt together, one of them stalks the prey and other one lies down to wait to make the kill.==

==Snow leopard was placed on the "Red list of Threatend Species" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature in 1972. Snow leopards were listed as "Endangered" and in 2008 they were placed in the same threat category. Snow leopards were hunt down by humans and the main reason for the hunting was its warm fur which was used to make warm clothing for winter.==

Luckily associations and organizations are working towards saving the animal. Many animal sanctuaries have managed to create safe living areas for the snow leopard, away from poachers and hunters.
Lähteet: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snow_leopard http://www.agarman.dial.pipex.com/snowlep.htm http://www.buzzle.com/articles/why-are-snow-leopards-endangered.html

Sonja Viita & Reetta Aho