Today is International Snow Leopard Day!

Leopards are a very cool big cat with their spots and great strength, but the Snow Leopard is actually not a leopard - it is more closely related to tigers when you look at their genes. Surprised to read this? I was! So, since today is International Snow Leopard Day, let's take a look at more info about these amazing animals - did you know . . . 

• Snow Leopards are the only classified large Panthera species that cannot roar. Instead, Snow Leopard sounds include the chuff, growl, hiss, and mew.
• Most individuals weigh between 60 and 120 pounds, measuring at around two feet tall and four to five feet long. While they are large mammals, this makes them the smallest of the big cat species.
• Snow Leopard fur is incredibly thick– up to five inches– to better insulate them in the snow. This fur also covers their large paws, which function almost like snowshoes to make it easier for them to walk and stalk their prey in the snow.
• Another intriguing adaptation is that the Snow Leopard’s tail is exceptionally long (around 3 feet) and large compared with other cats. This is because they use their tails to cover sensitive areas to keep them warm. Their tails also work as fat storage for times when food is more difficult to find.
• These cats can take down animals three times their weight. When pressed, they’ll go for smaller creatures like Rabbits, Voles, and Marmots. They’ll even hunt birds in a pinch.

You will find more information about Snow Leopards at this link and they are in my book, Civets, Tree Kangaroos, Batoids & More! as well.