Leopards - Panthera pardus
by EM EditorFew animals possess the mysterious aura and intensity of the leopard. 'Prince of Darkness' and 'Silent Hunter' they are among the most endangered of wild species. Leopards, like lions have been held in awe by generations of people across Africa, the Middle East and Asia. Although an infrequent human-killer, leopards elicit fear and dread among rural people whose domestic animals may be at risk to these predators. The leopard is the most adaptable of the large predators and may still be found in close proximity to man, even, sometimes, on the outskirts of large cities. That nature has become at odds with “human nature” itself shows how dramatically these animals struggle to survive the growing threat to their species.
Description Among felids, leopards are best described as spotted, medium-sized members of the Pantherinae, the subfamily which includes all "roaring" cats: lions, tigers, jaguars and leopards, as well as clouded leopards, snow leopards and marbled cats. Typically leopard markings consist of solid spots, or clusters of spots called rosettes. In certain parts of their range, particularly southern Asia (India to Malaysia and the island of Java), black or melanistic color phases also occur, although at close range, markings can still be seen. On Java, the majority of leopards are black. The base color of leopards varies widely across their wide range, changing from yellow or orange to tan or gray. In Africa alone, the following trends of coloration may be observed 1/ savannah leopards- ochre in color; 2/ desert leopards-pale cream to yellow-brown in color, with those from cooler regions being more gray; 3/ rain forest leopards -dark, deep gold in color; 4/ high mountain leopards- even darker in color. The same is true for variation in their patterns, and in Africa as well as in other regions.
The endangered leopard is very akin to the domestic cat in proportion and shape - just much bigger, with a fascinating arrangement of rosettes more commonly called “spots”. The body is low-slung on short powerful limbs, and the broad head is carried on a strong neck. Long whiskers act as tactile sense organs, letting the leopard know whether it can squeeze through a particular space or not. The long tail is used for balance, and, when swished from side-to-side, is a sure indication that the animal needs some space! Like its cousin the domestic cat, leopards are alert, intelligent and very physically agile.
On the average, leopards from populations from Turkey, Iran and Afghanistan are by far the largest, males routinely reaching 200 lb and near jaguar-sized proportions. Although up to 27 subspecies are still recognized by some specialists, others have pared this number down to as few as eight; taxonomic research is still ongoing.
Leopards are solitary animals and - in typical cat fashion and only come together to mate. Individuals live within home ranges in which they continually express their presence through calling and scent marking. All possible steps are taken to defend territories through scents, signs and signals rather than physical conflict. As a solitary hunter, a leopard must avoid injury and confrontation at all times. The size of a leopard's territory will depend upon the terrain and the density of available prey. Ideal habitat often includes rocky areas and well-wooded drainage lines and river courses. Such places provide ideal hunting ground, as the leopard relies on stalk and ambush, as well as plenty of places to hide prey and raise cubs. Females range over smaller territories than males. Dominant males leopards- often referred to as 'Toms' - occupy larger territories, do not mingle, and frequently enjoy mating opportunities with several territorial females.
Like most other cats, leopards are solitary predators that live within an exclusive territory. Leopards reach sexual maturity at two years of age and females come into heat about every six weeks thereafter. Males are attracted to females in estrus by scent, and the courting pair will stick together - even sharing killed prey for several days, mating at regular intervals until conception occurs. Males are larger and often overlap those of several females. Female leopards are mature at three years of age and after a gestation of 90 days, give birth to one to three young. Larger litters are rare. In nature, leopards probably reach 10 years of age; in captivity a few exceed 20 years.
One, two or three cubs are born after a three-month pregnancy, and are well hidden in a thicket or cave. Weaning takes place at about three months, but it is over a year before they are able to fend for themselves. It is normal for siblings to stick together for some time after leaving their mother. Life is hard for the young endangered leopard, as they need to compete for space with experienced leopards, or evade the constant vigils of stock-keepers' traps and guns
Survival
Leopard can subsist on an extremely wide range of prey but when available, especially in unspoiled areas, they show a marked preference for small antelopes and gazelles, wild goats, sheep; and deer. Pigs and cows are also prey in farmed areas. In deserts or other terrain, they seem to survive satisfactorily on birds and reptiles, Prey is typically captured after a patient stalk and sudden pounce. Where lions and hyenas are present, killed prey is raised up into trees where they may be fed upon at leisure over several days. Leopards are immensely powerful and capable of lifting up prey as heavy as themselves. They also feed on winged termites, stranded catfish and baby guinea fowl. Outside of protected areas, leopards survive on rodents, ground birds, reptiles and - often to their detriment - lambs, dogs and poultry. Leopards are thought to be primarily nocturnal but long-term observations in protected areas have shown that many hunts take place in daylight as well. Like most animals, they avoid the heat of day, and seek out the coolest shady spots in which to rest. The sleek leopard predators certainly feel more secure under the cover of darkness, for it is only then that they can vocalize - as a warning or invitation, as the case may be.
Range/Habitat The leopard, or panther as it is called in some parts of Asia, is the most widespread member of the Family Felidae, if not the entire Order Carnivora. Even today leopards can still be found from the southern cape mountains of South Africa throughout most countries of Africa south of the Sahara, across the Middle East to Southeast Asia and Java as well as northward to the Russian Far East. Overall, leopards are most common in east, central and southern Africa and rarer elsewhere. In broad terms, leopards are among the most adaptable of any felid and may be found in almost any habitat within their range. In sub-Saharan African, leopards are found in all habitats with an annual rainfall above 50 mm and can penetrate areas with less than this amount of rainfall along river courses.
On the Indian subcontinent they are found throughout the region with the exception of deserts and the Sunderbans mangroves. The also live on, if not in, the outskirts of large cities like Islamabad and Bombay, and are quite common in the hill regions of India. They also occur throughout most of China and in the Himalayas, where they are sympatric with snow leopards up to 17,000 ft In Indonesia, leopards are still found on Java, one of the world's most densely populated areas in the world. In the Russian Far East, leopards prefer regions of low snowfall vegetated by oaks and pines.
Social aspects of Leopards
Like most other cats, leopards are solitary predators that live within an exclusive territory. Those of males are larger and often overlap those of several females. Female leopards are mature at three years of age and after a gestation of 90 days, give birth to one to three young. Larger litters are rare. In nature, leopards probably reach 10 years of age; in captivity a few exceed 20 years.
The Beautiful Variety of Endangered Leopard World Wide:
Amur Leopard, Panthera pardus orientalis
A critically endangered leopard- the Amur leopards, from Russia, are one of the rarest subspecies in nature. Easily identified by their very large, thickly bordered circular markings as well as rosettes. Originally found in Manchuria, the Korean peninsula and the Primorski Province of the Russian Far East, the last recorded specimen in South Korea was captured in 1969. Recent field studies the Russian Far East (1998) suggest a population of 40 animals, and similar studies in North Korea (1998) suggest no more than 10 leopards remain there. The population living in two adjacent provinces of China numbers only 10 to 15 more. The remainder of the estimated total population of 30 is in the Russian portion of their range and are all now found south of Lake Khanka. The IUCN status of this race is Critically Endangered
Persian Leopard, Panthera pardus saxicolor
One of the largest races of leopards, this longhaired subspecies was said to resemble the unrelated snow leopard when first described in 1929. Later, well-documented descriptions of animals from northern Iran helped develop this studbook. Subsequent animals came into captivity from the same region as well as the Kopet Dagh region of northeast Iran near Turkmenistan and Afghanistan. Little field work has been done in any of these countries but no more than 2,000 individuals are thought to remain within this otherwise large, sparsely inhabited (human) area.
North Chinese Leopard, Panthera pardus japonensis
Originally named on the basis of a skin purchased in Japan (where leopards are absent), Chinese leopards, formerly called North China leopards, have a broad range extending from Sichuan to southern China and north to Beijing synonyms of japonensis. Population estimates are difficult to ascertain but the wild population is unlikely to number more than 2,500 breeding adults.
Arabian Leopard, Panthera pardus nimr
In Arabia, a small, mountain-loving leopard holds out along the coastal hills of Oman, Yemen and Saudi Arabia. Although formerly present in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), their presence is now questionable. Pending genetic studies, leopards of southern Israel and the Negev may also be this race. While officially protected by law in most countries, leopards continue to be hunted for their skins and due to depredation on domestic stock. Wild populations probably do not total more than 200 animals.
Snow Leopard
The endangered Snow Leopard is the big cat that inhabits the mountainous terrain of Central Asia and the Himalayan region. It is currently threatened by hunting for the illegal wildlife trade and revenge killings by herders; habitat loss; and diminished food supply. Snow leopards like tigers are now greatly endangered. The WWF (World Wildlife Fund) is very involved with habitat conservation in efforts to save the snow leopard from extinction.
Legal Aspects regarding Leopards
Leopards living in the southern half of Africa are listed as Threatened under the U.S. Endangered Species Act. All other populations in Africa as well as the Middle East and Asia are listed as Endangered. The entire species is regulated in international commerce by CITES as an Appendix I species. As a species, IUCN
Conservation: In Africa, the acceptance of annual quotas for the export of legitimate sport hunting trophies and skins has produced stable populations in Botswana, Central African Republic, Ethiopia, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Tanzania, Zambia, Kenya, Malawi and Mozambique. In other countries, national legislation usually protects the species although the killing of problem animals by either landowners or government authorities is usually permitted. Only Gambia still offers no legal protection although information on conservation status in Chad, Burundi and Guinea is lacking. In Middle Eastern countries, protection is usually present by law but in practice, leopards are still killed when encountered and serious conservation is lacking. The same is largely true in Asia although government-sponsored programs are becoming stronger in the Russian Far East. In Sri Lanka, a government degree against private ownership of leopards and other rare species has provided some degree of protection although subsequent seizures of animals present problems for the only zoo in the country able to hold the animals, due to a lack of space and facilities.
What Can We Do To Help?
We do not have to live in Africa or Asia to help join international efforts at developing awareness of environmental concern. Like school children in Kenya drawing wild birds for a wild life competition or college students in America actively becoming involved in the myriad of activities relating to wildlife and environmental protection, we all can help in having our voice heard. IUCN (The World Conservation Union), WWF (World Wildlife Fund) are consistent examples of organizations doing their best to educate and involve people of all ages world wide in wildlife/environment preservation. If we do not develop the wisdom to learn that all wildlife is part of our own humanity, we will never understand and appreciate, either now or into the future the full beauty of life as it really is, in all of its colors and splendor!
