The leopard (Panthera pardus) is a member of the cat family (Felidae). The leopard's coat has a background color of pale, cream-yellow on its underside that darkens slightly to an orange-brown on its back. Solid black spots adorn its limbs and head, smaller and denser than the golden, umber-centered rosettes that cover its back and sides. The leopard's tale has irregular patches that, at the tip of the tale, become dark-ringed bands.
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.
Classification:
Habitat and distribution: South Asia and Central Africa
Diet: Varied diet that includes small insects and rodents as well as large game such as antelopes, wildebeest, impala, reed buck, fish, apes, and baboons.
Status: The status of Panthera pardus varies by geographic region. In some areas it is endangered or critically endangered, In other areas it is threatened. Leopards face threats from habitat destruction and hunting (for skins as well as due to persecution).
References:
- Bies, L. 2002. "Panthera pardus" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed May 29, 2004.
- Guggisberg, C. Wild Cats of the World. New York: Taplinger Publishing Company. 1975.
- Burnie, D. and D.E. Wilson. Animal. Dorling Kindersley. London. 2001.
