Physiology
The physiology of the snow leopard is specially adapted to its cold and rocky habitat. These adaptations include a large nasal cavity that warms inhaled air, developed chest muscles for climbing, short powerful forelimbs to leap long distances and a long tail for balance and warmth. Their fur provides camouflage along cliff faces and insulation in winter (7, 10, 13).
Image provided by Irbis1983(2010)
Ecology
The snow leopard is spread across Central Asia and can tolerate temperatures from -40°C to 40°C and altitudes between 2000 to 5000 meters (11). Therefore, the influence of future changing climatic conditions isn’t believed to impact their physiology dramatically (1, 6, 16). However, they prefer rocky cliffs with little vegetation, due to their dependence on camouflage when hunting prey such as wild goats, deer and marmots (10, 11). Their core areas of habitat change, depending on seasonal, with the cat commonly moving to lower altitudes in winter (13). Mating occurs during spring with one to five cubs being born. The rest of the year the cat is solitary.
Climate change will mainly affect snow leopards indirectly, where dramatic a change to their habitat is the main area of concern (1, 6, 16).
Climate change will mainly affect snow leopards indirectly, where dramatic a change to their habitat is the main area of concern (1, 6, 16).
Images provided by ARKive (2013)