Snow leopard

Because of its strength, dexterity and mysteriousness the snow leopard was always a hero of ancient legends and stories. Today this animal is one of the symbols of the Republic of Kazakhstan. It is represented in the national symbols of our country.

This animal is a member of the cat family that lives in the mountainous regions of Ka­zakhstan and other countries of Central Asia. It spends summers in the Tjan-Shan mountains as high as 5 thousand meters above sea level.

The snow leopard which is also called "ounce" grows about 1. 8 to 2 meters long. It has thick, pale gray fur marked with leopardlike brown spots. When hunting a snow leopard quietly stalks its prey and then springs on it. This brave animal has been observed leaping as far as fifteen meters. The snow leopard eats such wild mammals as deer, ibex, marmots and picas as well as domestic livestock.

Although the snow leopard resembles such big cats as lions and tigers in size and appearance, it has many characteristics of smaller cats. For example, the snow leopard cannot roar like other big cats but it can purr like a domestic cat. Also snow leopards feed in a crouched position as domestic cats do. Other big cats feed while lying down.

Snow leopards are mostly solitary animals. However, males and females hunt together during the mating season. Female snow leopards give birth in the spring or early summer usually to two or three cubs. The snow leopard is an endangered species because so many of them have been killed for their fur.

EAGLE

Eagle is the name of some of the largest and most powerful birds in the world. Eagles look fierce and proud and they soar gracefully high in the air. They have long been symbols of freedom and power. The steppe eagle of central Asia is sometimes called "a king of birds".

Eagles are careful to avoid danger. They usually stay away from human beings and rarely attack. Some species of eagles also may attack when defending their nests and young. An eagle's chief weapons are its powerful legs, feet and claws. Some eagles also bite in self-defense. Eagles may attack newborn lambs or other livestock.

Since ancient times among many countries this bird has been used as a national or military symbol. The eagle was always thought to be a bird of courage and bravery. A special attitude can be seen toward this bird in Kazakhstan. It is pictured on the national flag. This bird symbolizes the depth of the steppe people's soul. It shows the generosity and greatness of Kazakhstan nation. It is also a sign of its power and authority.

Eagles vary in size. Females are generally larger than males. The wingspan of different species can range from about 1. 2 to 2. 4 meters. Most eagles weigh from about 3 to 5 kilograms. The head of an eagle is large and covered with feathers. Most birds have keener sight than people. Eagles can sight their prey while soaring high in the air. Eagles have large, strong hooked beaks which they use to tear up their prey. When eagles fight they dive at each other and try to strike with their claws. Eagles can glide great distances without flapping their wings. Most adult eagles are dark brown or black. Wild eagles can live from 20 to 30 years. In captivity they may live 50 years or more. Eagles hunt only during the day. They spend the night in their aeries. Often two eagles hunt together.