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| Leopard | ||
|---|---|---|
 Panthera pardus (Linnaeus, 1758) | ||
| Information | ||
| Range |
Africa, Central Asia | |
| Scientific Classification | ||
| Kingdom |
Animalia | |
| Phylum |
Chordata | |
| Class |
Mammalia | |
| Order |
Carnivora | |
| Family |
Felidae | |
| Genus |
Panthera | |
| Species |
P. pardus | |
| Conservation Status (IUCN 3.1) | ||
 Near Threatened | ||
Leopards live across much of Africa and Asia, sometimes hunting close to human populations. The color of their pelt varies from gray to rusty brown. Desert and savannah populations are generally paler. They have small black spots and rosettes. All-black leopards are common, especially in tropical forests.
They are agile, expert climbers. These superb climbers laze around in trees after they have consumed their kill. At tree tops, they are safe and can survey their surroundings. Leopards in national parks tend to be much less wary than their unprotected kin.
The Black Panther is simply a black leopard that lives in the dense, shadowy forests of Asia. It shares all the characteristics of its spotted counterpart. Their powerful paws help the leopard catch large prey like young giraffes.
Leopards are opportunistic carnivores with a diverse diet. They primarily prey on medium-sized animals such as antelopes, gazelles, and deer. However, their diet can include a wide range of creatures depending on their habitat and food availability. Here are some examples of what leopards eat:
- Ungulates: Antelopes, gazelles, deer, and buffaloes.
- Primates: Baboons and other monkeys.
- Small mammals: Rodents, hares, and warthogs.
- Birds: Various bird species, including their chicks and eggs.
- Reptiles: Lizards and snakes.
- Insects: Dung beetles and other insects, though this is less common.
Leopards are also known to hunt domesticated livestock, which can bring them into conflict with humans. Their adaptability in diet allows them to thrive in various environments, from grasslands and savannas to forests and mountainous regions.