Animal of the week

Snow leopard

Last month, the snow leopard’s conservation status was downgraded from endangered to vulnerable, meaning their population has increased. However, these big cats are still at risk of poaching and habitat destruction.

LIFESPAN IN THE WILD: Up to 12 years.

HABITAT: Sparse populations can be found in central Asia’s mountains – mostly in China’s Tibetan region.

DIET: Mainly sheep and goats. The opportunistic predators are able to take down prey weighing up to three times their own weight.

FUN FACT: The snow leopard’s thick tail is almost a metre long. It helps with balance as well as keeping the animal warm when wrapped around its body.