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| − | Leopards (Panthera pardus) are a member of the cat family (''Felidae'') and is the smallest cat of the genus ''Panthera, ''with the jaguar being the |
+ | Leopards (Panthera pardus) are a member of the cat family (''Felidae'') and is the smallest cat of the genus ''Panthera, ''with the jaguar being the third largest cat in the genus Panthera. Leopards are found from Asia, Africa, and Siberia. |
[[File:Persian_leopard.jpg|right|thumb|A Persian leopard (Panthera pardus saxicolor)]] |
[[File:Persian_leopard.jpg|right|thumb|A Persian leopard (Panthera pardus saxicolor)]] |
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| − | Compared to others of the Felidae family, leopards have relatively short legs and a long body with a large skull. It has a similar appearance to the jaguar, but is smaller and |
+ | Compared to others of the Felidae family, leopards have relatively short legs and a long body with a large skull. It has a similar appearance to the jaguar, but is smaller and slightly more built. |
| − | The species' success in the wild is |
+ | The species' success in the wild is partly due to its unique way of hunting, but also due to its its adaptability to habitats, its ability to run at speeds approaching 58 kph/36mph, its unequaled ability to climb trees even when carrying a heavy carcass, and its notorious ability for stealth. The leopard consumes virtually any animal it can hunt down and catch. Its habitat ranges from rainforests to deserts. |
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==Appearance & color== |
==Appearance & color== |
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| − | Leopards with melanism are known as black panthers, |
+ | Leopards with melanism are known as black panthers, as are jaguars. Leopard fur is marked with rosettes similar to those of the jaguar, but the leopard's rosettes have no central spots, unlike the jaguar. |
==Hybrids== |
==Hybrids== |
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The leopard is known to be bred with jaguars, cougars and lions. A jaguapard is a result of a jaguar and leopard, a pumapard is a result of a leopard and cougar, while a leopon is a result of a lioness and a leopard. |
The leopard is known to be bred with jaguars, cougars and lions. A jaguapard is a result of a jaguar and leopard, a pumapard is a result of a leopard and cougar, while a leopon is a result of a lioness and a leopard. |
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Latest revision as of 19:08, 23 October 2012
Leopards (Panthera pardus) are a member of the cat family (Felidae) and is the smallest cat of the genus Panthera, with the jaguar being the third largest cat in the genus Panthera. Leopards are found from Asia, Africa, and Siberia.
A Persian leopard (Panthera pardus saxicolor)
Compared to others of the Felidae family, leopards have relatively short legs and a long body with a large skull. It has a similar appearance to the jaguar, but is smaller and slightly more built.
The species' success in the wild is partly due to its unique way of hunting, but also due to its its adaptability to habitats, its ability to run at speeds approaching 58 kph/36mph, its unequaled ability to climb trees even when carrying a heavy carcass, and its notorious ability for stealth. The leopard consumes virtually any animal it can hunt down and catch. Its habitat ranges from rainforests to deserts.
Food[]
Leopards aren't picky predators. They hunt gazelles, impalas, other ungulates, and the rare okapi. They will also feed on carcasses if to do so.
An impala head as a result of a leopard's kill
Appearance & color[]
Leopards with melanism are known as black panthers, as are jaguars. Leopard fur is marked with rosettes similar to those of the jaguar, but the leopard's rosettes have no central spots, unlike the jaguar.
Hybrids[]
The leopard is known to be bred with jaguars, cougars and lions. A jaguapard is a result of a jaguar and leopard, a pumapard is a result of a leopard and cougar, while a leopon is a result of a lioness and a leopard.
Threats[]
The leopard has no natural predator. Humans hunt leopards for their skin and fur.