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Who Knew? 7 Fantastic Leopard Facts

September 12, 2019

By Lucille Sive

Leopards are one of the most elusive creatures in the African animal kingdom. Their solitary nature and cool camouflage make them particularly difficult to spot on safari, which just makes it all the more thrilling to see these large cats in the wild! But there’s more to these mysterious animals than meets the eye, did you know that leopards can jump up to 9.8 feet vertically? Read on for more fantastic facts about one of my favorite African animals.

Photo credit: Lion World Travel guest Deb H.

1) Leopard Vocalizations Mean Different Things

Leopards use their voice to express different emotions and states of mind. For example, purrs usually signify contentment while a growl means the leopard is feeling angry or aggressive. Baby leopards have been known to say “urr-urr” to call their mothers. If all of these examples sound familiar, well, you’re right—it turns out leopards communicate just like your house cat!

2) Leopard Spots are Called Rosettes

If you look closely at a leopard’s spots, you will notice that many of the spots are not spots at all, but clusters of black, yellow and tan markings called “rosettes”. These patterns are unique to each leopard, like a human finger print. This pattern, combined with the yellow, brown and tan colors helps the leopard blend into the savannah habitat, making it the perfect coat to stalk prey unseen.

Leaping Leopard
Photo credit: Shamwari Game Reserve.

3) African Leopards Are Just One of Nine Known Sub-Species

The African leopard, found across a variety of habitats in sub-Saharan Africa, may be the most popular type of leopard in the world, but it is far from alone: eight other sub-species of leopard are found throughout Asia and the Middle-East. These include the Indian leopard, the Javan leopard, the Arabian leopard, the Anatolian leopard, the North Chinese leopard, the Amur leopard, the Indochinese leopard, and the Sri-Lankan leopard.

4) Black Panthers Are Really Leopards in Disguise

In Africa, a "black panther" is actually called a "melanistic leopard" by scientists and researchers. And while these black cats may look spotless, if you look closely at a black panther in clear light, the leopard rosette patterns can be seen. According to researchers, the genetic mutation that causes the dark coloring may be a beneficial evolutionary trait that improves a leopard’s ability to stay concealed during nocturnal hunts.

Leopard
Photo credit: Madelyne K.

5) Leopards Use Trees to Get an Edge Over the Competition

Leopards are rarely the largest predator in their habitat so they need to be careful that both their kills and their young can stay safe from other predators. That’s why their unique ability to climb trees is so important. By dragging their kills up trees they can ensure that other large predators, such as lions or hyenas, won’t try to steal their well-earned prize. It’s really just a bonus that trees are so perfect for cat naps!

6) Leopards Are Strong Swimmers

Unlike many of their big cat cousins, leopards are surprisingly strong swimmers. They actually enjoy swimming and this behavior can come in handy given the different types of habitats that leopards need to flourish in to survive.

Leopard Cub
A leopard cub.

7) African Leopards are Threatened, But Not Endangered

Of the nine sub-species of leopard, African leopards are the least endangered. However, due to ongoing habitat loss and human encroachment, African leopards are a species that the conservation community is monitoring closely.

Related Safaris: Tanzanian HighlightsTented Safari in Style

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