snow leopards - physical characteristics
Snow leopards are smaller than the other big cats but like them, exhibit a range of sizes, generally weighing between 27 and 54
kg (60 - 120 lb). Body length ranges from 74 - 130 cm (39 - 51 in) with a tail of nearly the same length.
Snow leopards have long thick fur, the base color of which varies from smokey grey to yellowish tan, with whitish underparts. They
have dark grey to black open rosettes on their body with small spots of the same colour on their heads and larger spots on their
legs and tail.
Snow leopards show several adaptations for living in cold mountainous environments. Their bodies are stocky, their fur is thick,
and their ears are small and rounded, all of which help to minimise heat-loss. Their feet are wide, which distributes their weight
better for walking on snow, and they have fur on their undersides to increase their traction on steep and unstable surfaces, as well
as to assist with minimising heat-loss. Snow leopards' tails are long and flexible which help them to maintain their balance. The
tails are also especially thickly covered with fur which, apart from minimising heat-loss, allows them to be used like a blanket to
protect their faces when asleep.
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