The son of a lion and panther - so, unaware of the modern zoological classification, the ancient Greeks called one of the most graceful and dangerous predators - a leopard (leo - lion, pardos - panther). Leopard is a typical representative of large cats.
He is unusually beautiful, but severe, disturbing beauty. He is swift and flexible, has an elegant head, long tail, strong, slender legs. The gait of a leopard is light, soundless and majestic.
The appearance of leopards
The appearance of leopards of various subspecies has insignificant differences: in terms of skin color, size, and hair density. Sometimes leopard cubs are born black. Despite the fact that many people mistakenly take them for a different look and call them black panthers, these are the so-called melanists, the same leopards, but with black fur. By the way, in bright light and on a black panther spots are noticeable. Melanism is inherent in another type of large cat - the jaguar. The Leningrad Zoo now contains such a beast. Interestingly, in one litter there can be spotted and black kittens, regardless of what kind of skin their parents have.
Leopard is perfectly armed: huge sharp fangs and retracting claws, incredibly sharp, muscular system is perfectly developed. A leopard can with prey weighing more than he can run and jump on trees. In general, his "sports" indicators are impressive:
- running speed up to 65-70 kilometers per hour
- jumping up to ten meters in length and up to four in height
- cleverly climbing trees
- if necessary, swims well.
Leopard habitat
The habitat of the leopard is quite wide and diverse: from tropical forests and savannahs of Africa, the jungle of India and Southeast Asia to southern Transcaucasia and our Far Eastern monsoon taiga. In total, up to 10 subspecies of this predator are distinguished, not counting its closest relatives: jaguar, smoky leopard and snow leopard - snow leopard.
Young leopards acquire families between the ages of two and three. Moreover, male leopards, unlike tigers or lions, are exemplary, caring spouses and fathers. They live near the lair of the female, visit her and the cubs and bring prey. The female brings up kittens up to a year and a half age, teaching them all the tricks of the hunt. And they are serious hunters with a delicate ear, excellent sense of smell and sharp eyesight.
At night and at dusk, this beast sees almost as well as during daylight hours. Despite the seemingly bright color, in reality, the leopard is perfectly masked on the ground. When he sneaks, pressing his stomach to the ground in low grass, it is difficult to notice him even from a distance of 10 -15 meters. And his sacrifice throw is accurate and swift.
Indeed, it is one of the fittest and most dangerous predators in the world! Not for nothing, the famous African professional hunter and writer John Hunter, called him a "land shark."
