6 interesting facts about the snow leopard: they protect themselves with a special scarf at -40 ˚C

DNA analysis of this big cat from the mountainous areas of Central Asia has revealed that the tiger is the closest relative of them out of all felines, despite their different colour and patterning, and their deceptive name. Current estimates suggest that the population will decline by a further 10% by 2040; the snow leopard is endangered.

In the following, we will talk about the snow leopard, its evolution, appearance, habits, and cultural significance.

1) They were once intimate with the lion and the leopard

Although they make a group with the tiger, studies have shown that the snow leopard’s, the leopard’s and the lion’s mitochondrial genome is more similar than their nuclear genome is, suggesting that their ancestors interbred at some point during their evolution.

2.) How they adapt to the cold

The snow leopard has large nostrils compared to their skull and palate, which allows them to inhale a greater volume of air in one sigh. By this simultaneously warming and humidifying this cold and dry air before it enters the lungs. They also try to keep warm in the freezing weather, which can be as low as -40 ˚C.

Their small, rounded ears help minimise heat loss. In addition, their wide paws distribute their weight well on the snow, so they don’t sink into it. Special hairs at the bottom of the paws help to improve their grip on steep surfaces.

3.) Carries the excess on his tail

Perhaps the first thing you notice when you look at a snow leopard, besides their beautiful coat, is their long, thick tail. This flexible and waggly tail not only helps the animal balance on rocky terrain, but also stores excess fat. The plump, thickly fur-covered body part therefore acts like a blanket or rather scarf to protect the snow leopard while they sleep. They have the longest tail of all cats, up to 90% of their body length.

4.) Apex predator

In their habitat, the snow leopard is an apex predator, which means that no other animal would consider them prey. Except, of course, for humans… They also play an important role in the ecosystem. They keep the population of their prey animals in check, maintaining a delicate balance. If we don’t wise up in time, their snaring, hunting and our climate change could wipe out this beautiful animal from the face of the Earth.

Although an incredibly talented hunter, there is not a single officially recorded case of them attacking a human being. Even if they are disturbed while eating, this shy and gentle animal is more likely to run away than to show aggression

5.) Neither roars nor purrs

The snow leopard’s hyoid bone is partially solidified. This prevents them from purring like many other cat species, because air does not vibrate this bone as they exhale like their relatives. While they are exhaling, you can hear a purr-like sound. But only when exhaling, which many people rightly argue is not the same as purring, which can be heard both when exhaling and inhaling. They can’t even roar, thanks to their short vocal cords. These fibres do not provide enough resistance to the air flow.

But other than these two sounds, the snow leopard has many vocalisation tools up their sleeve. For example, they make a sound called prusten. This is a low-intensity, short, non-threatening vocalisation. The animal closes their mouth and blows air through their nostrils, causing a snort. Typically, this sound is accompanied by head bobbing. A social sign, usually signifying happiness and friendliness.

6.) For the glory of mountaineers

The shape of the snow leopard is popular in heraldic (coat of arms) symbol, as well as a symbol of Tatarstan and Kazakhstan. In the former Soviet Union, climbers who scaled all five of the country’s 7,000-metre peaks were awarded a prize named after the snow leopard. Zsolt Erőss, Hungarian climber who disappeared 10 years ago last year on Kanchenjunga, was also nicknamed the Snow Leopard.

The Himalayan people also call the big cat the ghost leopard. This is partly because, like most cats, the snow leopard avoids humans and lives a hidden lifestyle, and partly because their white fur blends into the rocky, snow-covered landscape.