Hydrurga Leptonyx

Common name: Leopard Seal, Sea Leopard

Type: Mammal

Diet: Carnivore

Lifespan: 12-15yrs in the wild

Size: 10-12ft

Weight: up to 380kg

Some things you may not know:

- They are the only seals that eat other seals

- They are the Antarctic's equivalent of polar bears, top dog

- May not be too obvious from the photo, but they are one of the more aggressive seals and will likely go after humans (possibly by mistake) if given the chance. There's a fine line between curiosity and predatory behaviour, they may "play" with other animals that they do not intend to eat.

Finally, despite their alien appearance, they ARE mammals, just like how Michael Jackson is indeed human. Theoretically speaking, somewhere along the way humans and leopard seals were not so different.

Thoughts?

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Snow Leopards

Things you may not have known about the snow leopard

- It's nickname is "ounce"

- It can jump 25ft in a single bound

- Actually doesn't live in snow all year round

- It doesn't actually raw

- The coat changes to brown-gray colour in summer

- The snow leopard's teeth are over 4in long

BUT, the most important thing ... there are only about 3500-7000 in the wild and about 600 in zoos. This makes them one of the most endangered species ever.

Camera: Canon EOS 50D

Lens: EF 70-200mm f/2.8 IS USM

Settings: 1/200, f/4.5, ISO 800

Location: Sydney Taronga Zoo

There are a variety of ways you can help with preventing the extinction of snow leopards. It's not always a donation, sometimes it's as simple as raising awareness about this issue. Either way, I hope these big cats stick around for a bit longer. If these photos don't change your mind, then maybe this site can, click here.

Camera & lens: Same as above

Settings: Same as above

It is easily one of the most graceful animals on the earth, and if you don't like them ... you can go jump off a bridge :)

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