Afghanistan

What is the National Animal of Afghanistan?

Afghanistan national animal: Snow leopard
Snow Leopard: Afghanistan National Animal

The national animal of Afghanistan is Snow Leopard. The snow leopard or ounce (Panthera uncia) is an endangered big cat that ranges across the mountain ranges of Central Asia. It’s often referred to as, “The Bride of the Mountains”, and is found in Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, China, Himalayas, Turkmenistan and Nepal. Snow leopards live at heights of 12,000ft above sea level, in some of the coldest places on earth.

The adult snow leopard has a fawn colored fur with white belly, throat and tail tip. It is the largest cat of all that live in the snowy regions of earth according to the scientific classification and it is included under felidae family.  

Classification of snow Leopard

  • Scientific name: Panthera uncia
  • Order: Carnivora
  • Family: Felidae
  • Subfamily: Pantherinae
  • Kingdom: Animalia
  • Phylum: Chordata

Snow Leopard Facts: Afghanistan National Animal

  • Snow Leopard is the native and official animal of Afghanistan.
  • Snow leopard estimate speed is between 35 and 40 m.p.h
  • the snow leopard can weigh up to 140 pounds and has been clocked at speeds of 30 miles per hour.
  • for about 18 months, females raise their cubs – all alone
  • Snow Leopard eat blue sheep, marmots, Argali wild sheep, ibex, pikas, deer and other small mammals.

Why is Snow Leopard the national animal of Afghanistan?

This cat was selected for its beauty, grace, and endurance despite living in a rugged environment. The people of Afghanistan also reflect the same character; they are known as courageous warriors.

Afghanistan is an Asian country which shares its borders with Pakistan, Iran and Tajikistan. The country is enriched with diverse cultures and diversity of people. The people in Afghanistan are known for their courageous personality. As this brave character cat reflects their own personality, so this ferocious cat has been chosen by the people of Afghanistan as their national animal.

Read also: Pakistan national animal

We hope that our article provides general and interesting knowledge about the Afghan Snow Leopard. We would also like to express our heartfelt thanks for reading this article. Please let us know if you have any suggestions or contributions for this article.