Hey everyone, it is Tuesday here down under and time to look at
another big cat, this week it is the Leopard.
Leopards are the third largest big cat; they are excellent
climbers and unlike most other wild cats’ love living in trees. They can live
in various different habitats and have a wide range of prey. They are generally
found in the Saharan regions of Africa as well as Asian countries like Turkey,
Korea, Jave and India.
They are easily recognised by their rosette patterned coat and
their extremely long tail which is darker in colour then the rest of their
body. Although their base coat can vary depending on its habitat, those living
in open grasslands are a golden yellow, while those living in deserts are
yellow or cream in colour. Then there are those who live in mountain regions
and they are a deep gold colour.
They like to hunt at night, though females with cubs prefer to
hunt during the day, they hunt all kinds of creatures from small rodents to small
monkeys and impalas.
They are super strong and can drag a fully grown male antelope or
a young giraffe which can weigh up to three times that of the leopard into the treetops.
They will attack humans and are considered more dangerous than
lions or tigers. Humans have been a threat hunting them for their fur.
There are also snow leopards which are found in the snow caped
mountains of Russia, China and the Himalayas they have woolly fur and
interestingly not loud roars like other big cats.
Black leopards also known as black panthers are found in dense,
wet forested areas of India and southwest Asia.
I had no idea they could drag such large prey into trees. It's also fascinating to read about the different subspecies and their adaptations to various habitats.
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The most beautiful of all the cats. Their camouflage is amazing, and yes I've seen pictures of them up in the trees with dinner. Amazing critters you just want to reach out and pet.
ReplyDeleteThey are amazingly strong to get the kills into trees!
ReplyDeleteI didn't know leopards and black panthers were the same.
ReplyDeleteThese are elegant, beautiful animals.
I didn't realize that leopards were so strong, Jo-Anne. Thanks for enlightening us. Blessings!
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