The Leopard (Luiperd)
Panthera pardus
The leopard is a light golden yellow in color with dark spots. It is the largest of the African spotted cats and has powerful, but relatively short legs. The African leopard is a powerful nocturnal predator and can be found in varying habitats, though they prefer dense vegetation close to a riverbed or rocky hills.
Male leopards are larger than the females reaching heights of about 60 to 70 centimeters (measured at the shoulders), and weighing approximately 60 kilograms in adulthood.
No two leopards have identical spots, making identification easier when doing research. Leopards are rarely seen as they are shy, solitary animals with acute night vision. Along with their excellent night vision their sense of smell and hearing are exceptionally well developed.
Leopard prey on a variety of insects, reptiles and birds, but its main source of food is the impala in most regions. They drag their larger prey up trees for safekeeping from scavengers like hyena. They often feast on these carcasses for several days. Leopard is rarely aggressive towards man, except when cornered or threatened.
Female leopards give birth to 1 to 3 cubs after a gestation period of about 100 days. The cubs leave their mothers after a period of nearly two years.
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