Snow Leopard
 Ounce
(Panther Unica)
Palang Barfi- in Persian  پلنگ برفی

Photo of this species from Iran is not available. A picture will appear here as soon as possible.

هنوز عکسی از این گونه در ایران در آرشیو ما موجود نمی باشد. بمحض بدست آوردن این عکس آنرا در این بخش خواهیم گذاشت

The Snow Leopard (Also known as "Ounce") is now extinct in Iran, but once was found in the high mountain ranges in north of this country. The last evidence of this animal in Iran back to 1967 from the mountains in north of Khorasan.
It was in 1977 that officially had reported that this beautiful animal, has totaly dissapeared from the nature views of Iran. As we know there is not any photo of snow leopard from Iran.

Many researchers do not accept the claim that this species ever was existing in Iran. They believe that very bright color of Persian Leopard makes this mistake. But we found another report of snow leopards in this country.

W.T.Blanford in his book: "The Zoology and Geology- Eastern Persin" has some evidences of Snow Leopard in Iran in 19th century. He says: " I have seen ounce skins In London said to have been brought from Persia. An ounce's skin was brought to me at Shiraz, said to have been obtained in the neighbouring hills".

We need photo and more inforamtion about this animal from Iran.

General information about Snow Leopard:

Although the Snow Leopard is legally protected in all countries of its range, but because it is a rare and a highly prized animal, is being killed by foolish hunters.

Features :
 In size it is little smaller than a Leopard, but has a longer tail, short muzzle, high forehead and vertical chin. It's coat is soft grey paling to pure white underside. At 25 - 75 kg it is the smallest member of the genus Panthera.

Habitat :
 In summer it inhabits the arid alpine meadow region between the tree-line and permanent snow at elevations from 2,700 to 6,000 m, while in winter it may follow its prey down into the forests below 1,800 m.

Behaviour :
 The Snow Leopard is solitary and crepuscular animal.

Diet:
 It preys on mountain ungulates such as markhor, ibex, bharal and tahr, domestic stock, and smaller mammals such as hares and marmots.

More information and even photos of Snow Leopard in the world you can find in: Cat Specialist group

Reference:
  • W.T.Blanford. A.R.S.M. F.R.S "The Zoology and Geology- Eastern Persin, an account of the Journeys of the Persian Boundary Commission, 1870-1871-1872, Vo. II (London-1876)
  • Iranian "Keyhan Newspaper"-1978

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Last Updated: 10 August, 2007

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