Snow Leopard
The snow leopard is one of several types of leopards, the smallest of the “big cats.” These cats are native to the mountains of Central Asia and are found from Afganistan to Tibet. Now an endangered species, snow leopards are known for their whitish-tan coat with dark ringed spots. They have heavy tails to help them keep their balance on the rough mountainous terrain and big, furry paws that act something like snowshoes, protecting the animal from the cold and snow. There are only about 4,000 to 7,500 snow leopards left in the wild, where their lifespan is about 15-18 years. In captivity, their lifespan is several years longer.
Clouded Leopard
Truly an amazing sight, the clouded leopard is a medium-sized cat with a tan or tawny coat and large, dark-edged elliptical markings that are said to look something like clouds. The clouded leopard is native to southern China and the eastern Himalayan Mountains. It is also found in parts of India and Southeast Asia.
Clouded leopards live in trees and can often be found hanging upside down by their hind legs, using their long tails for balance. This remarkable cat can run head-first down the trunk of a tree in a squirrel-like manner. Like many large cats, the clouded leopard is classified as an endangered species with less than 10,000 of them left in the wild. Back to All About Cats Home Page
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