BIG CAT SERIES 6 - LEOPARD 馃悊
Leopard (Pathera pardus), is the smallest of the big cats, which includes lions, tigers, and jaguars. The animal鈥檚 name is derived from the Greek word leopardus, a combination of leon (lion) and pardus (panther). There are nine subspecies of leopards, which can be distinguished by the characteristics of their coat. Despite their names, the clouded leopard (neofelis nebulosa) and snow leopard (panthera uncial) are often considered separate species.
Quick facts
Appearance: A leopard鈥檚 coat can range from tawny or light yellow in warm, dry habitats to a darker, reddish-orange in dense forests. In the thick, dark rainforest of Southeast Asia, leopards with nearly black coats can sometimes be found. Their coats are covered with dark, irregular spots called rosettes. These spots are circular in eastern African leopards and square in southern African leopards.
Diet: Leopards are carnivores. Their diets include giant eland, kudu, springbok, bushbuck, impalas, Thomson鈥檚 gazelles, duiker, primates, warthogs, guinea fowl, hares, rodents, fish, and dung beetles. They are nocturnal animals and do most of their hunting at night. Their large eyes and dilated pupils allow them to see well in dark conditions.
While hunting, Leopards can leap 20 feet forward in a single bound and jump ten feet straight up. They will leap and jump to capture prey, especially birds.
After hunting, they often carry food into trees to avoid losing it to scavengers like lions and hyenas. Leopards are incredibly athletic and known for their climbing ability.
Leopards can go for long periods of time without water, living off the moisture of their prey.
Lifespan: In the wild, leopards live 12 to 15 years. In zoos, they live up to 23 years.
I'll wrap up with the Lion tomorrow, bye for now 馃憢