Leopard
A species of Roaring cats, Also known as African leopard, North china leopard, Indian leopard, Persian leopard Scientific name : Panthera pardus Genus : Roaring cats
Leopard, A species of Roaring cats
Also known as:
African leopard, North china leopard, Indian leopard, Persian leopard
Scientific name: Panthera pardus
Genus: Roaring cats
Content
Description General Info
Photo By Martina Blersch , used under CC-BY-SA-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Description
The Persian leopard (Panthera pardus saxicolor = ciscaucasica), also known as the Northern Persian leopard or Caucasus leopard, is a subspecies of the leopard that is mainly distributed in the Near East. The core distribution area is in today's Iran. The Persian Leopard still occurs in individual individuals in the Greater Caucasus and is therefore the only recent big cat in Europe. Due to the controversial taxonomic conditions, it is not entirely clear which populations are to be counted for this subspecies. It is certain that all leopards from the Caucasus, eastern Turkey, northern Iran and those from Turkmenistan belong to this subspecies. However, it is unclear whether the leopards of southern Iran, as well as those in Afghanistan and Baluchistan, also belong to this or another subspecies (P. p. Sindica). The position of the leopards in neighboring Kashmir is also unclear. Any remaining stocks in western Turkey could also belong to their own subspecies (P. p. Tulliana). With a total population of 870 to 1300 animals, the Persian leopard is considered to be endangered.
General Info
Lifespan
12-17 years
Diet
Leopard is a carnivorous species primarily feeding on ungulates. Its diet includes deer, antelope, and small mammals but can exhibit opportunistic feeding behavior, adapting to available prey.
Appearance
Leopard is a large-sized, sleek-bodied carnivore that displays a distinct pattern of dark rosettes on their golden-yellow to yellowish-brown fur. Notably, this pattern varies between subspecies. The species is sexually dimorphic, with males generally being larger than females. Its formidable body is topped with a small head and completed by a lengthy tail, which aids in balance during complex maneuvers. The short, dense fur gives leopard a smooth and polished appearance.
Behavior
Leopard is a solitary and nocturnal predator, mainly hunting at night. It employs a stalk-and-ambush tactic, demonstrating significant adaptability in survival. Leopard is notably territorial, marking its domain through scraping trees, urine spraying, and fecal deposits. This species is highly arboreal, often hauling its kills into trees for consumption, safe from other predators.
Population
Decreasing
Photo By Martina Blersch , used under CC-BY-SA-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original