Zoo Stock Species and the Red List

Zoo Stock

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This indicates that the species is included in the Second Zoo Stock Plan, which was formulated by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government in 2018. The plan sets goals for the next 10 years in three areas: "species conservation," "contribution to wildlife conservation," and "environmental education and conservation awareness." 124 animal species are included.

What is the Red List?

Based on scientific research, this is a list of wildlife classified by rank (category) indicating the degree of risk of extinction.
Livng Things Encyclopedia shows the categories (mainland and islands) assessed by the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) at the global level, the Ministry of the Environment for Japan, and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government for Tokyo.

The higher the category in each table, the higher the risk of extinction, and CR, EN, and VU are the three categories known as "endangered species." In Tokyo, species that are not at the NT (near threatened) level but are relatively rare are considered "species of concern."

IUCN categories

EX

extinction

EW

Extinction in the wild

CR+EN

CR

Serious crisis

EN

crisis

VU

emergency

NT

Near Threatened

LC・○

Low Concern

DD

Data shortage

LP

Japan (Ministry of the Environment) Category

EX

extinction

EW

Extinction in the wild

CR+EN

Endangered species

CR

Critically Endangered

EN

Endangered species

VU

Endangered species

NT

Near Threatened

LC・○

DD

Lack of information

LP

Endangered
local population

Tokyo Category

EX

extinction

EW

Extinction in the wild

CR+EN

Endangered species

CR

Critically Endangered

EN

Endangered species

VU

Endangered species

NT

Near Threatened

LC・○

Unranked

DD

Lack of information

LP

Endangered
local population

Creatures at Tama Zoo

Snow Leopard

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ユキヒョウ
ユキヒョウ
ユキヒョウ
ユキヒョウ

They live in the high mountain zones of Central Asia, where they have adapted to the cold environment by maintaining body heat with thick fur. Their limbs are thick and muscular, with particularly well-developed hind legs, allowing them to jump distances up to six times their body length. They also use their long tails to maintain balance and run freely over rocky areas in rugged mountainous regions.

classification Mammalia, Carnivora, Felidae
English name Snow Leopard
distribution Central Asia
Residence Mountains
Size
Head torso length: 100-130cm
Tail length: 80-100cm
Weight: 35-45 kg
food Small to medium-sized mammals and birds
Red List
IUCN: VU (Very)
Tama Zoo exhibition area

long tail

Snow Leopard 's long tail

Snow Leopard have particularly long and flexible tails among the cat family. They move their tails up and down and side to side when jumping from one rock to another, allowing them to move steadily even on steep slopes.

Adaptation to cold climates

Snow Leopard' cold climate adaptation

Its body is grayish-white with scattered black spots, which serves as camouflage in snowy mountains. Covered in thick, long fur, it plays an important role in protecting body temperature in cold, high-altitude environments. In winter, the density of its fur increases, allowing it to survive even in the harsh sub-zero temperatures. Furthermore, the fur on the soles of its feet grows between the paw pads, providing insulation. The fur on the soles of its feet also acts as an anti-slip feature. Its broad, large feet do not sink easily into snow and allow it to walk stably on rocky terrain.

Special Talk (released October 2021)