Leopard Facts

Part of the family of big cats, the graceful and powerful leopard is known for speed and agility. Leopards inhabit regions of sub-Saharan Africa, northeast Africa, Central Asia, India, and China. A leopards 'spots' is a well-known feature of the creature. The markings on a leopard's coat are well-known, especially because of its adaptation onto high fashion. The pattern of distinctive dark spots on its light brown-yellowish coat are called rosettes, as they resemble the shape of a rose. Black leopards (commonly called black panthers) also have similar markings, but because of the darkness of their coats, the spots aren't visible. Given below are some more fascinating leopard facts for kids and adults.

Interesting Facts about Leopard

On an average, Leopards are between 4.25 to 6.25 ft in length, excluding a tail length of 3.5 to 4.5 ft. Weighing approximately between 66 to 176 lbs, they are the smallest of the big cats within the genus Panthera, as compared to lions, tigers and jaguars. One of the interesting leopards facts is that males are up to 50 per cent larger than females.

The color and pattern of the leopard's coat depends on the region it inhabits; leopards in warmer, dryer areas have a light buff or tawny coat while those that live in dense forests have a darker coat. East African leopards have circular spots, while southern African leopards have square rosettes.

Among the leopards many attributes are that it is a powerful climber, runner and swimmer. This lethal combination makes it predator par excellence. By nature, this tree climbing cat is secretive and elusive but also very shrewd. Leopards are nocturnal, which means much of their activity takes place during the night. The hours of the day are reserved for resting in trees or thick bushes.

Another fact about leopards is their ability to adapt. While the best type of habitat for this creature is riverine forest or dense bush in rocky surroundings, they are able to other and climates. In the face of loss of habitat due to deforestation and development, it is this ability that has held them in good stead.

Leopards are solitary creatures. Each individual has its own home range, which usually overlaps with its neighbors. The animal stalks its territory, never staying at one spot for more than two or three days at a time. The territory is marked by urine and claw marks. Leopards make a rasping cough like sound to announce their approach to other leopards.

A leopards prey options are surprisingly wide and varied, and include carrion, fish, reptiles, birds and mammals such as rodents, hares, hyraxes, warthogs, antelopes, monkeys and baboons. Leopards drag the killed prey into trees, to prevent it from being stolen away by lions and hyenas. Another interesting fact about leopards is that they can drag carcasses three times their own weight (including small giraffes) onto trees.

A female leopard usually gives birth to a litter of two or three cubs. The offspring are born with coats of smoky gray, while their spots are not yet clearly delineated. The mother usually keeps the cubs hidden for the first 8 weeks. She suckles them for 3 months or longer, and gives them a taste of meat at the 6th to 7th week. She will stay in one place with them, till the time they are able to accompany her on her wanderings.

Disturbing facts about a leopard are that this animal is still hunted by humans for its skin, tail, claws and whiskers. Considered a threat to livestock, farmers are also among its enemies. In the wild, leopards are occasionally preyed upon by lions. All leopard subspecies are listed as either endangered or threatened.