Snow Leopard (Panthera uncia), the elusive,
only truly alpine cat of the world. These cats have an elongate and muscular
body. Their paws are broad and their ears are short. In tropical regions their
coats tend to be shorter and sleeker, whereas in colder climates their fur is
longer and denser.
The coloration varies from the color of straw to grayish to even chesnut. The
backs of the ears are black except for a spot either located centrally or near
the tips. These appear to other animals as eyes. The throat, chest, belly, and
the insides of the limbs are white.
The rest of the head, throat, chest, and limbs all have small black spots. The
belly has larger black spots, almost like blotches. Region and habitat have
an affect on the appearance of P. pardus.
In Africa, leopards living in hilly areas tend to be larger than those living
in lowlands. There is a tendency to melanism (black coloration) in this species.
This characteristic is more frequent in densely forested areas where being darker
is probably beneficial in remaining unseen as compared to open areas.
Whether spotted or black, leopards' coloration is extremely effective. Scientists
have been unable to spot these cats just a few yards away even knowing that
they were present. Leopards have been recorded as long as 2.92 meters but that
is extreme, 1.37-1.67 is more common.
Pantera pardus could at one time be found from British Isles to Japan and throughout
most of Asia. Today they can still be found in Africa, except for the true deserts
of Sahara and Kalahari, and some parts of Asia such as Sri Lanka.
Leopards are more common in Eastern and Central Africa. Conversely, they are
rare in Western and Northern Africa and most of Asia (Nowak, 1997; Sanderson,
1972).
Leopards are famous for their ability to go undetected. They may live practically
among humans and still be tough to spot. They are graceful and stealthy. Amongst
the big cats they are probably the most accomplished stalkers. They are good,
agile climbers and can descend from a tree headfirst.
Along with climbing, they are strong swimmers but not as fond of water as tigers;
for example, leopards will not lay in water. They are mainly nocturnal but can
be seen at any time of day and will even hunt during daytime on overcast days.
In regions where they are hunted, nocturnal behavior is more common. These cats
are solitary, avoiding one another. However, 3 or 4 are sometimes seen together.
Hearing and eyesight are the strongest of these cats' senses and are extremely
acute. Olfaction is relied upon as well, but not for hunting.
When making a threat, leopards stretch their backs, depress their rib cages
between their shoulder blades so they stick out, and lower their heads (similar
to domestic cats). During the day they may lie in bush, on rocks, or in a tree
with their tails hanging below the treetops and giving them away.