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Species in News: Snow Leopard
Context:
The research conducted by a team from Japan’s Kyoto University sheds light on the dietary habits of snow leopards, suggesting that they consume plants, especially when hungry.
More in news:
- Snow leopards, iconic carnivore cats of High Mountain Asia, have been found to consume plants, particularly those of the Myricaria genus.
- This finding challenges the previous notion of snow leopards as exclusively carnivorous animals.
Key findings of the study:
- Researchers collected faecal samples from the Sarychat-Ertash Reserve in Kyrgyzstan, analysing them to identify dietary patterns.
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- Metabarcoding analysis revealed that snow leopards commonly consumed plants of the Myricaria genus, even in the absence of prey animal DNA.
- The study suggests that snow leopards may consume plants when hungry, indicating potential dietary flexibility.
- These findings contribute to understanding snow leopard behaviour and may inform conservation efforts for this endangered species.
- The snow leopard is not the first cat to be found consuming plants. There are 41 species of living felids or cats in the world today.
- Researchers have previously found plants in the faeces of 24 species.
About the Snow Leopard:
- Scientific Name: Panthera uncia.
Features:
- It possesses distinct features such as thick fur coats, long tails, and powerful hind legs.
- Powerful build, allowing it to navigate steep slopes effortlessly.
- Its hind legs enable it to leap up to six times the length of its body.
- Its long tail provides agility, balance, and protection from the cold.
Habitat:
- Snow leopards typically inhabit areas above the treeline, living in rugged mountain landscapes characterised by rocky terrain and sparse vegetation.
- Inhabit mountainous regions across 12 Asian countries, including Afghanistan, China, India, Mongolia, and Pakistan.
Prey:
Their prey includes blue sheep, Argali wild sheep, ibex, marmots, pikas, and hares, found abundantly in mountainous terrains.
IUCN Status:
- The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) classifies the snow leopard as “Vulnerable” on its Red List of Threatened Species.
- Threats to the snow leopard population include habitat loss, poaching, and human-wildlife conflict, highlighting the need for conservation efforts to protect this iconic species.
