Facts about a...
Leopard (Panthera pardus)

Leopards are solitary animals, famous as agile tree climbers and very patient predators that can stalk their prey quietly in the dark for a long time. Leopard's soft, dense, beautiful fur has been used for ceremonial robes and coats. Different parts of the leopard like the tail, claws and whiskers are popular as fetishes. In some cultures, Leopards are considered symbols of wisdom. Great efforts have been made to save leopards from extinction but their conservation status is still not satisfactory. Perhaps by understanding the following facts about a Leopard, you will stand up for endangered species.
Did you know that…
Did you know that…
- Their gestation period is approximately 2.5 months (10 weeks)
- Females can give birth at any time of the year. They give birth to two or three cubs
- Cubs live with their mothers for about 2 years
- They are nocturnal predators that stalk their prey. They survive on meat
- Leopards are capable of killing preys larger than themselves
- Leopards are found in sub-Saharan Africa, Northeast Africa, Central Asia, India, and China.
- They are endangered species especially outside of Africa
- They are big cats that are closely related to lions, tigers, and jaguars.
- They are strong and can climb trees where they usually hide their prey
- Their spotted coats enable them to survive in different environments
- They are strong swimmers although they do not like water
- Leopards are solitary animals-they are secretive and elusive of the large carnivores
- Black leopards are called black panthers
- The distinctive beautiful dark spots on a leopard are called rosettes-they resemble a rose.
- Rosettes are circular in Leopards found in East Africa and square in those found in Southern Africa
(Source: Environmental Graffitti, Out of Africa, National Geographic , Wikipedia)
Compiled by P. Njenga for Daima Tours & Travel