The Eastern Cougar once lived in 21 states in the U.S. but was included in the endangered species list in 1973.  In the past decades though there has been no sighting of this animal except as ghost sightings prompting the US Fish and Wildlife Service to officially declare it off the endangered species list and extinct last March 2011.

In their formal statement to the public, they said that “The US Fish and Wildlife Service conducted a formal review of the available information and … concludes the Eastern Cougar is extinct and recommends the subspecies be removed from the endangered species list.”

The Eastern Cougar is also called the panther or puma. They have slim bodies and small heads but are known to be the biggest cat in North America. They slowly began to decrease in population because their habitat were turned into farms, residential lots and the ever expanding human population.

Hunting of cougars also became a popular sport as well as lack of food – also because of hunting. The cougars’ main food source are smaller animals like the deer and moose. Since are also animals targeted by hunters, the diminishing food source led to a decrease in cougar population as well.

In addition, the females cougars could only produce at most 3 cubs every 2 or 3 years. Most cougars under normal circumstances would live up to 8 years only.

Since cougars are predators, their enemies are mainly humans who shoot them down for sport or in defense of life. Other animals like the deer are no match for the power of the cougar. As far as environmentalists can determine, this animal is far from aggressive except when hungry. They have been described as shy and prefer to stay solitary instead of staying together.

Today, only the Western Cougars  are known to exist in Canada and the United States.

The leopard cat’s profile is pretty broad. They can measure anywhere between 60 and 90cm. Additionally, their tail ranges from 28 to 37cm. Asian Leopard Cats weigh anywhere from 4 to 17lbs. Not only does their measurement profile vary, but so does their coloration. Southern leopard cats seem to usually be of a yellowish-brown coloring. However, northern leopard cats tend to be grayish-brown in color. Leopard cats have dark spots on their bodies running down their tails, stripes on their back, and rings around the tip of their tail.

With the wide range in description of the Asian Leopard Cat, their habitats also vary. Regardless of where their habitat is, there must be a reliable water source close to them. Asian Leopard Cats are usually found in forested or wooded areas. However, they can also be found in scrub and grasslands. They have also been found from time to time in agricultural areas such as coffee plantations.

As with most cats, the Asian Leopard Cat is believed to be nocturnal. They are usually found sleeping in hollow trees or small caves. Their diet includes small mammals such as rodents, insects, hares, reptiles, fish, and carrion.

Asian Leopard Cats can breed at any time of the year. They generally give birth to a number between one and four kittens. Usually, Leopard Cats are pregnant for anywhere between 65 and 70 days.

Related site: http://www.konicaminolta.com/kids/endangered_animals/

One endangered animal that is cute that may give kids a great interest is the Snow Leopard. The Snow Leopard truly is a beautiful animal. They have very thick fur that can be color variations of white, yellowish, or a soft gray accompanied with black or brown ringed spots. The markings of the Snow Leopard help to camouflage them from their prey. Their thick coats have also aided in helping them to adapt to the dry and cold habitats they are usually found in. Snow Leopards are usually found living in steep cliff areas, rocky outcrops, and ravines.

Snow Leopards stand to be about 2 feet tall and are anywhere between 6 and 7 ½ feet long. Their tails are generally about 40 inches long. Snow Leopards can weigh anywhere from 77 to 120lbs. Female Snow Leopards tend to be about 30% smaller than the male Snow Leopards. Due to the reclusive nature of the Snow Leopard, it is difficult to know their definitive lifespan. However, they have been known to live as long as 21 years when in captivity.

Snow Leopards generally eat wild sheep and goats. However, they have also been said to eat smaller rodents, birds, and hares. Snow Leopards are endangered in Central Asia, China, Mongolia, Afghanistan, India, and Russia. Snow Leopards are said to mate between the months of January and mid-March. The mothers are pregnant for 3 to 3 ½ months and usually give birth to 2 or 3 cubs. They usually give birth in rocky dens lined with their fur.