14 Interesting facts about Leopards

DID YOU KNOW?

• The Leopard is the most powerful mammal in the world, pound for pound.

• It is also the most elusive animal in big 5.

• Leopards have a lifespan of 10 to 15 years.

• They can survive anywhere as they will eat anything, including insects, birds and fish. They are the ultimate opportunists and are master stalkers.

• Their markings are unique and provide them with excellent camouflage. Their spot pattern breaks up the shape of their body.

• Leopards’ dew claws, placed higher up on their wrists, are essential for climbing trees and hoisting heavy loads. 

• A leopard can hoist a kill as heavy as itself in its mouth, vertically up a tree.

• Male leopards are sometimes referred to as ‘Toms’.

• A Male leopard weighs between  20 - 90kg and the Female is between 17 - 60kg

• The whiskers are longer and more numerous than other cats and are used as an aid when moving in the dark and through tight spaces.

• Leopards will spend the hottest hours of the day resting in shade or in trees to ‘catch a breeze’.

• Their ears are marked at the back with a black mark, which are used as ‘follow me’ signs.

• The tail is white tipped and when hanging is also a ‘follow me’ sign for cubs. The mood of the cat can be told by its tail. A moving tail is said to indicate a thinking leopard. Tails are also used for balance during hunts.

And...

Did you know that Leopards don’t sweat? Instead  they cool themselves by allowing air onto their tongues!