Leopard
Leopard Facts
| Size | 35-75 inches (90-196 cm) (body) |
| Speed | 36 mph (58 km/h) (short distances) |
| Weight | 83-198 pounds (38-90 kg) |
| Lifespan | 12-15 years (in the wild) |
| Food | Antelopes, deer, wild boars |
| Predators | Tigers, lions |
| Habitat | Africa, Asia |
| Order | Carnivore |
| Family | Cats |
| Scientific name | Panthera pardus |
| Characteristics | Fourth-largest predatory cat, rose-shaped fur markings |
Main Characteristics
The leopard is the fourth-biggest feline predator. Its most eye-catching features are small rosettes on its fur, its slim build and long legs. It is excellent climber and adept at swimming.
Species
There are 27 subspecies, eg. the Amur leopard, the African, Indian or Persian leopard. The snow leopard (Panthera unica) is related to the leopard (Panthera pardus), but is considered an independent species.
Distribution and Habitat
Leopards live in Africa and Asia. In Africa they inhabit rainforests, mountainous regions, savannahs and semi-deserts. In Asia, its habitat is rainforest and coniferous forests. Of all the big cats, they're the most adaptable and have the widest range.
Life Style
The leopard is a solitary animal that is active at dusk and at night. During the day it climbs a tree to rest on a branch. It only becomes active at night. Then it lies and waits for prey to approach.
Anatomy and Appearance
Size and Weight
Leopards reach a body length of 35-75 inches (90-196 cm). They weigh 83-198 pounds (38-90 kg). The tail is 25-40 inches (65-100 cm) long.
Fur
Leopards have circular rose-shaped fur markings, and while it may be hard to see, each one has a unique pattern that can't be found again. Did you know that distinguishing a leopard from a jaguar is quite simple? The leopard's circular spots don't have dots in the center.
Tail
The long tail helps leopards maintain balance while climbing.
Claws
Leopards can easily pull themselves up trees using their claws. When they walk on the ground, they retract them to keep them sharp.
Jaguar vs. Leopard – What's the Difference?
It is pretty easy to tell a leopard from a jaguar. In leopards, the circular spots don't have dots in the center. We have a separate article with all all differences between Jaguar and Leopard.
Diet
Leopards feed on antelopes, deer and warthogs. They usually prefer prey that weighs between 66-110 pounds (30-50 kg). However, they also eat small mongooses, jackals, baboons, reptiles and birds.
Behavior
Hunting Strategy
The leopard is a passionate ambush predator and stalks its prey with incredible patience. Sometimes it just comfortably reclines on a branch, a few meters above its prey, waiting for the best moment to attack.
How Does a Leopard Defend its Prey?
As lions and hyenas sometimes like to steal its prey, the leopard has come up with an idea. It stores its prey in the forks of branches. And, whenever it's hungry, it just helps itself. It can even carry prey that is much larger and heavier than itself upwards in its mouth.
Senses and Abilities
Swimming
Can leopards swim? Basically all cats are able to swim. However, very few enjoy doing so. Water makes their fur very heavy and they can no longer run fast. Yet, tigers, jaguars and leopards are among the few big cats that love to swim. That doesn't make it any better for the prey: The water is no option to make an escape.
Jumping
Leopards can jump 10 feet (3 meters) high and can cover distances of up to 20 feet (6 meters). They can easily leap over a large car.
Do They Climb Up Trees?
Leopards are excellent climbers. With their sharp, retractable claws they find secure hold on the bark and easily climb up trees that are up to 50 feet (15 meters) high. No other big cat climbs that high, so potential prey only gets one shot: they need to sprint away as quickly as they can.
Sense of Hearing
Leopards can hear five times better than humans.
Sense of Sight
Leopards can see seven times better at night than humans.
Do Leopards Have to Drink?
Leopards can survive without water for up to 10 days, provided they find enough to eat. Their food contains enough liquid.
Adaptability
Of all big cats, the leopard is the most adaptable because it thrives in a wide variety of habitats and its diet is very varied.
Life Expectancy
In the wild, leopards live 10-15 years.
Enemies and Threats
Natural Enemies
Leopards don't have many enemies. In their habitat they're apex predators, thus at the top of the food chain. The only animals that can pose a threat to them are lions, crocodiles and other leopards. Cubs are sometimes preyed upon by hyenas, jackals, tigers, snakes and birds of prey.
Human Impact
Hunting
Leopards have a beautiful, exotic fur, which unfortunately leads to their demise as it commands high prices in the market. Additionally, they're part of the "Big Five" sought after by big game hunters, alongside elephants, rhinoceroses, buffalo, and lions, making them highly coveted as hunting trophies.
Livestock Farmers
Leopards are often killed by livestock farmers for fear of them preying on their livestock.
How Many Are Left?
According to the IUCN, leopards are considered a “vulnerable” species. Some of the subspecies are even threatened with extinction. These are the IUCN figures from the last few years.
Number of animals:
- Amur leopard: 303-478 (as of 2023)
- Arabian leopard: 70-84 (as of 2023)
- Javan Leopard: 319 (as of 2021)
- Sri Lankan Leopard: 777 (as of 2020)
- Indian leopard: 15,000 (as of 2023)
- Persian leopard: 750-1,044 (as of 2023)
- Indochinese leopard: 77-766 (as of 2019)
Are Leopards Dangerous?
Usually, leopards avoid encounters with humans. However, they will attack without hesitation if they feel harassed or threatened. As we keep encroaching on the leopard's territory, there is an increase in seriously injured people or even fatalities. Sometimes, people end up being victims of sick or injured animals because they’re seen as easy targets.
Importance for the Ecosystem
Leopards play a crucial role in their habitat. They prey on old, weak and sick animals and maintain general health within the community of other animal species. Leopards control herbivore populations, which otherwise would overpopulate, leading to negative impacts on the forest and its vegetation.
Reproduction
Leopards only meet during the mating season and stay together for about 8-9 days. After 90-105 days, the female leopard gives birth to two to four babies, which weigh just about one pound (500 g). After two to three months the cubs start to eat meat. After 13-18 months they strike out on their own. At the age of three years they are adults.
Fun Facts
Bagheera
The panther Bagheera from The Jungle Book is a black leopard.
Black Panthers
There are also black leopards, which are called panthers. They aren't a separate species, they simply have a black fur. There are also black jaguars, which are also called panthers.
The Leopard Is Related To:
Animals in the Same Biome:
Sources:
- "Leopard" (https://www.iucnredlist.org)
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