Leopards

Closely related to tigers, lions and jaguars, leopards are the most secretive and elusive of the large cats. Native to Africa and Southern Asia, leopards have proved themselves highly adaptable to both warm and colder climates. Leopards are easily distinguished by dark rosette-shaped spots on their tawny fur. Black panthers are actually leopards that produce excess amounts of melanin, causing their fur to be darker and spots to become virtually indistinguishable. These dark leopards are found more often in darker forested areas, while lighter colored leopards tend to inhabit desert areas, attesting to the scientific theory that the leopard's spots provide it with camouflage.

Fast Facts

1. Eight different subspecies
2. Weight: 60-200 pounds
3. Length: Up to 6 feet long
4. Males are 20-40% larger than females
5. Life span: 12-15 years

Diet and Behavior

Leopards spend much of their time in trees, and may often leap from high branches to pounce on their prey. Leopards are so strong that they can often drag prey much larger and heavier than themselves up a tree to protect it from scavengers. Unlike many other cats, leopards often swim and will hunt crabs and fish in lakes and rivers.

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