Leopards

Habitat

Leopards can be found in both Africa and Asia. Leopards are very adaptable. They can be found in a diverse range of habitats from semidesert to the rainforest.

Weight

Males weigh between 80 and 200 pounds, females weigh between 60 and 130 pounds.

Gestation Period

Gestation period is 12 - 14 weeks. Females give birth to 2 - 3 cubs. The cubs weigh about one pound at birth and they open their eyes on the 10th day. The cubs stay with their mother until they are about two years old.

Adaptation

African leopards are lighter in color and their rosettes are smaller and set closer together. Asian leopards are darker in color and have larger rosettes. The rosette may have a spot in the center. The leopard’s spotted coat helps to hide the cat as it hunts in wooded grasslands. The leopard’s spots are small rosettes and lack the additional spot of color inside the rosette of the jaguar. Leopards spend a lot of time in trees and are built for climbing. Their shoulder blades are positioned to the side to make them better climbers.