Page 26 - Animals of the Wild April 2017(1)_Neat

Leopards are solitary, shy, silent and secretive animals. They are strong animals who are excellent
climbers and good swimmers. They can jump 3 metres high and 6 metres long. Their call is like a
rough saw cutting wood but they will also purr or scream when they angry or roar out of fury.

The leopard has short legs with a long body, a large skull and a powerful jaw. Leopards have spots
(rosettes) on their skin, if these rosettes are more round the leopard stays in eastern Africa where if
the rosettes are more square they live in South Africa. Their tails are almost the same length as their
bodies and gives them balance when running and for sharp turns. The leopard has a similar
appearance to the jaguar. The differences are the leopard is smaller and has a lighter physique, the
rosettes are smaller and more densely packed and the rosettes don’t have a central spot. Both
leopards and jaguars that are melanistic are known as black panthers.

Leopards can run at speeds of 58km/h. Their lifespan is between 12 and 17 years. Leopards are
considered as near threatened or vulnerable.

Leopards are found in sub-Saharan regions as well as eastern and southern Asia. Leopards can adjust
very easily and can therefore be found from rainforests to near desert areas even areas reaching -
25˚C. In the African rainforest, the leopard can be diurnal but is normally nocturnal. They are most
active between dusk and dawn and can be found sleeping in trees during the day.

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