| There
are twenty seven subspecies of leopard. The colors vary
from the brown and black spotted leopard to the black
leopard who also has spots though they may not be seen
except in sunlight. |
| The
leopard is found in Africa, Southern Asia and South
America. It is the most widespread of the old world
cats with the widest range. It is very adaptable to
all environments including the forest, scrub and plains.
|
| Leopard
males can weigh from 86 to 99 pounds. Female Leopards
typically weigh a third less, from 70 to 80 pounds.
They are nocturnal. |
| The
leopard attaches its prey from very close range often
jumping from trees. Prey usually does not know what
hit them. They are able to pull over 3 times their body
weight, up to 300 pounds of a kill up a tree to protect
it from larger predators. They avoid lions and tigers
and their ability to climb trees protects them. |
| Leopards
use habitual paths and conspicuous movement to mark
territory although they will also use sound and spraying. |
| The
gestation period is 90-115 days and the litter can be
from 1-6 cubs although the typical number of cubs is
3. A pair of leopards will not produce enough cubs in
their lifetime to make even one coat. |
|
