Leopard (Panthera pardus)
Picture from the Cathouse (FCC)
Length: 5 to 8 feet
Weight: 60 to 210 pounds
Litter Size: 2 to 3
Infant Mortality: 40 to 50%
Life Span: 2 to 17 years
Physical Characteristics
The leopard is often confused with the jaguar, but the leopard is less stocky and does not
have any spots inside its rosette markings, unlike the jaguar. The leopard is strong and
agile and can roar just like the lion, tiger, and jaguar. The leopard may weigh anywhere
from 60 to 210 lb. The male leopard is slightly larger than the female, and size and
weight varies through its geographical range. The leopard is five to eight feet in length
and has a long tail which it uses for balance. 'Black panthers' are actually leopards with a
recessive melanistic gene. They are more common in areas with less light; out of all the
big cats, leopards are the most likely to have melanistic coloration.
Habitat and Daily Life
Leopards are found in Africa below the Sahara desert and in southwest Asia in woodlands,
lowland forests, and savannas. Its ability to live in many different habitats and feed on a
larger source of prey has given it a better chance for survival then that of the cheetah or
lion. The leopard favors areas where there are trees, and in the savanna leopards are often
seen near one; they are amazing climbers. Territory is marked by scratches, feces, urine,
and secretions. Male territories are larger than that of the female, and may overlap
several female territories.
Hunting and Feeding
The leopard is a solitary hunter, and stalks its prey generally at night. After a catch is
made, the leopard will carry it up a tree, even if the prey is three times its weight, showing
tremendous strength and agility. In the open grasslands of the savanna, leopards prey on
wildebeest, impala, gazelle, and young eland, as well as hares, reptiles, and even insects.
In woodland areas common prey includes small monkeys, duiker, and various rodents such
as rats, porcupines, and squirrels.
Reproduction and Cubs
Breeding usually takes place in January or February, all though there is no breeding
season. After the mating is over, the male and female will separate. After a gestation
period of about 95 days, 2 or 3 cubs are born blind and helpless, weighing under two
pounds. They are weaned by three months and begin to join their mother in hunts where
they will learn how to survive. By their second year, the now sub-adults will leave their
mother to establish their own territory.
Status
The leopard is rarely seen in northern Africa. The Amur leopard is now extremely rare in
the wild due to habitat loss, and the leopard is under extreme threat in the Middle East and
southwest Asia. The leopard is listed in CITES Appendix 1.
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