The leopard is the most wide spread of the great cats. The most common leopard subspecies is the North African leopard. The leopard is what is known as a generalized animal. It has adaptations to survive in a changing environment. This is partly the reason why it is not considered endangered now. Many lesser known subspecies are endangered.
Apperance
Males: up to 75 inches (191 cm) head and body plus a 36 inch (91 cm) tail. weight range is 65 to 160 lbs. (30 - 73 kg). Females: 2/3 size of males. Leopards have a yellowish coat with black spots (rosetts) forming a broken circle around a brownish center on its body with just black spots on the extremities. Subspecies of Panthra pardus will vary in size and coloration, such as the Amur leopard with a long coat that somewhat resembles a snow leopard. The "black panther" is not a separate species, but just is a melenistic form of the leopard. In fact, the spots can be faintly seen though the dark fur. The snow leopard is not a true leopard, but a separate species altogether.
Distribution/Habitat
Widely spread throughout Africa and southern Asia. Habitat ranges from semi arid to cold mountinous regions.
Habits
Leopards, like most felids, are solitary and territorial. They are very good at climbing trees, which they do so to rest in, store food from other predators and to use as a vantage point for finding prey. Hunting is mostly nocturnal.
Reproduction
Females give birth to one to six cubs after a gestation period of about 95 days. Cubs stay with their mother for upto 20 months. Leopards are full grown at 2-1/2 years.
Diet
Leopards feed on small animals, mainly small mammals and birds. The leopard hunts by stealth and by speed. Contrary to popular belief, the leopard does not jump out of trees directly onto its prey.
Conservation
The common North African leopard is not currently on the endangered species list, but its numbers are on the decline. Many of the subspecies are much smaller in population and a few are on the brink of extinction, such as the beautiful Amur leopard, which may be gone in just a few years.Back to Big Cats Connection home page