Interesting facts about leopards, the leopard (Panthera pardus) is one of the five extant cat species in the genus Panthera. It has a pale yellowish to dark golden fur with dark spots grouped in rosetes.
Classification of leopards
Kingdom: Animalia.
Phylum: Chordata.
Class: Mammalia.
Infraclass: Eutheria.
Order: Carnivora (cats, dogs, bears, raccoons, weasels, civets, mongooses, hyenas)
Family: Felidae (cats)
Subfamily: Pantherinae (leopard, lion, tiger, jaguar, snow leopard)
Interesting facts about leopards.
a) Leopards spend most of their time in trees
leopard is a strong and agile climber who is often found resting on a tree branch during the day. After a kill, leopards will often stash their prey in a tree to prevent other animals such as hyenas and lions from stealing it, and they enjoy the meal for several days.
It is not uncommon for a leopard to drag their kill 50 feet high into a tree. Their muscles make them excellent climbers along with their retractable claws.
b) Leopards are smallest of the big cats
Leopards are the smallest of the big cats, which includes lions, tigers and jaguars. Female leopards weigh 46 to 132 pounds and males can be up to 50% bigger, weighing 80 to 165 pounds. The average length of a leopard is between three and six feet.
In comparison, a male Siberian tiger, the world’s largest cat, weighs up to 700 pounds and averages 11 feet in length.
c) Leopards are fast runners
Leopards are powerful animals, known for their climbing ability. But they’re also pretty quick. Leopards can run at a speed of 36 miles per hour, and leap 20 feet in a single bound. They can also jump 10 feet straight up in the air.
By comparison, a cheetah, the fastest land mammal, can run 50 to 80 miles per hour.
d) Leopards are solitary animals
Leopards like to spend time alone and they mark their territory by leaving behind faeces, scenting the space with urine, and scratching trees. Male and female leopards will only come together to mate, which can last two to five days. Male leopards are not involved in raising their babies.
e)Leopards have a short gestation
Female leopards give birth any time of the year, and usually give birth to two or three cubs. The gestation period is short, usually around three months, which means that baby leopards are undeveloped when they are born.
The cubs will continue to grow in a protected space such as a cave or den. One theory for the short gestation is that female leopards could not hunt effectively with a large belly. Mothers stay with their cubs until they are about two years old, when they are able to hunt and take care of themselves.
f) Leopards have a unique language
Leopards do not roar like a lion. They communicate with each other through distinctive calls that sound more like a raspy bark. Their rasp can be heard up to two miles away. Leopards also make a chuffing or huffing sound as a friendly greeting. Like cats, leopards purr when they’re happy and growl when angry.
Leopards can be found in Kenya Uganda and Tanzania during the game drives. They are interesting animals to view so why not trust Inspire AFrican Safaris for your dream safari.
