The stealthiest cats

Leopards are infamous for their ability to go undetected. They sometimes live practically among humans and are usually still tough to spot, as their spotted coat blend into the surroundings. They are stealthy and elegant. Amongst the big cats, they are probably the most accomplished stalkers, mainly because of their size. They are also good and agile climbers and can descend from a tree headfirst. Apart from climbing, they are strong swimmers but not as fond of water as tigers and jaguars. For example, leopards do not normally lie in water, and they rarely attempt to leap across swamps and marshes. They are mainly nocturnal, but they can be seen at any time of day and will even hunt during daytime, either on overcast days or when they are hunting with cubs. In regions where they are hunted, nocturnal behavior is more common, as people do not usually go after them at night. These cats are solitary, and normally avoid one another. However, 3 or 4 are sometimes seen together in the mating season or a territory fight. Hearing and eyesight are the strongest of these cats' senses and this is what makes it one of the best hunters. Body language 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). Normally, they lie in bushes, on rocks, or in a tree during the daytime with their tails hanging below the treetops and giving them away.

Happy New Year

Dear Readers, Happy New Year! 2007 as arrived. On behalf, I wish you happy new year!

The black panther

A black panther is a melanistic leopard. These have mutations that cause them to produce more eumelanin (a black pigment) than pheomelanin (an orange-tan pigment which gives the common leopard its color). This results in a chiefly black coat, though the spots of a black panther can still be discerned in certain light. This is because the deposition of pigment is different in the pattern than in the background. The spots are mostly a ghostly white color.

The Leopard - appearence

The appearance of a leopard

Leopards are the fifth largest members of the cat family and the fourth largest great cat. Leopards range in size from one to just over two meters (6.5 ft) long and generally weigh between 30 and 70 kg (65–155 lb). Some males may grow over 90 kg (200 lb). Females are typically around two-thirds the size of males. For its size, the leopard is the most powerful feline in the world next to the jaguar. They have a coat of soft, spotted fur, which is made of rosettes – big spots. Their spotted coat is also excellent for camouflage. This helps them hunt with ease, as the prey cannot easily see them. This makes the leopard an excellent predator.

Two new blogs

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Leopards

Leopards are big cats that live in Africa and Asia. They have a very unique lifestyle, and some of its top secrets are hardly known. This blog introduce some of the top secrets of this amazing big cat to you. Please leave a comment or two too!