2016 Endangered Species 1 oz. Silver Proof – Snow Leopard

Additional Information:

This coin is the sixthrelease in the “Endangered Species” coin series by New Zealand Mint.

The Snow Leopard (Panthera Uncia) is a large cat native to the mountain ranges of Central and South Asia.

Inhabiting alpine and sub-alpine areas, at elevations of up to 4,500 m (14,800 ft), these powerful mammals live in some of the harshest climates on earth.

Insulated by thick hair, the Leopard’s spotted coat enables it to blend perfectly into rocky mountainsides, while the animal’s wide, fur-covered feet, act as natural snowshoes. Snow Leopards have powerful legs and are able to leap as far as 15 m (50 ft). Their long tails are used for balance and to cover sensitive body parts against the extreme cold.

These rare and beautiful animals can grow up to 1.5 m (5 ft) in length and weight up to 55 kg (120 lb). As powerful predators, Snow Leopards have been known to kill animals up to three times their weight, along with smaller fare, such as hares, mountain ibex and game birds.

Snow Leopards are found in 12 countries through Asia including China, Nepal, Russia, and Mongolia. The Snow Leopard is also the National Heritage Animal of Pakistan.

Despite being the apex predator in its ecosystem, the global population of this species is less than 7,000. This is chiefly due to poaching and loss of habitat, both of which pose serious threats to the animal.