This muscular cat grows to lengths of 3 to 6 1/2 feet and reaches between 24 and 43 inches in height. Full grown leopards can weigh between 82 and 200 pounds. The lifespan of a leopard is between 12 and 17 years.
Leopards exhibit a range of color and pattern variations. Black leopards, once thought to be a separate species from other leopards, are individuals that, due to a genetic mutation know as melanism, have a large amount of dark melanin in their coat. Leopards living in desert areas tend to be pale yellow in color. Leopards inhabiting grasslands are a deeper golden color.
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- Diet: small insects and rodents as well as large game such as antelopes, wildebeest, impala, reed buck, fish, apes, and baboons
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Classification
Where to See
References
- Bies L. 2002. Panthera pardus, Animal Diversity Web. May 29, 2004.
- Burnie D, Wilson DE. 2001. Animal. London: Dorling Kindersley. 624 p.
- Guggisberg C. 1975. Wild Cats of the World. New York: Taplinger Publishing Company.


