International Leopard Day – 03rd May
International Leopard Day – 03rd May
International Leopard Day occurs on May 3rd.
The leopard (Panthera pardus) is the smallest species of panther family and one of the five extant species (Lion, Tiger, Jaguar, Snow Leopard and Leopard)in the genus Panthera, a member of the cat family, Felidae. The leopard is distinguished by its well-camouflaged fur, opportunistic hunting behavior, broad diet, strength, and its ability to adapt to a variety of habitats ranging from rainforest to steppe, including arid and montane areas. It can run at speeds of up to 58 km/h (36 mph). The leopard has relatively short legs and an elongated body with a large skull. Its fur is marked with rosettes. It is similar in appearance to the jaguar (Panthera onca) and both species are sometimes born melanistic, known as black panthers.
The leopard iselusive, nocturnal and an opportunistic predator, hunting a variety of species including ungulates and primates. It relies on its spotted pattern for camouflage as it stalks and ambushes its prey, which may be dragged up a tree. Leopard is the strongest climber of the large cats and is capable of killing prey far larger than itself. Throughout its range, it must deal with competition for other predators like lions and tigers. Leopards are solitary animals outside of mating and raising cubs.
It is sexually dimorphic with males larger and heavier than females. The leopard has the largest distribution of all wild cats, occurring widely in Africa, the Caucasus and Asia, although populations are fragmentedand declining. In sub-Saharan Africa, it is still numerous and surviving in marginal habitats where other large cats have disappeared. There is considerable potential for human-leopard conflict due to leopards preying on livestock.
It is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List because leopard populations are threatened by habitat loss and fragmentation, and are declining in large parts of the global range.
Leopard subspecies Panthera Pardus Kotiya is endemic to Sri Lanka.
– Source: Internet –