Simply a cat
The leopard is identical in proportion and shape to
a domestic cat - just much bigger, with a mesmerising arrangement of rosettes.
The body is low-slung on short powerful limbs, and the broad head is carried on
a strong neck. Long whiskers act as tactile sense organs, letting the leopard
know whether it can squeeze through a particular space or not. The long tail is
used for balance, and, when swished from side-to-side, is a sure indication
that the animal needs some space! Watch a domestic cat on the move, lithe and
alert, and you can easily picture a leopard.
The scent of a leopard Leopards are
solitary animals and - in typical cat fashion - only come together to mate.
Individuals live within home ranges in which they continually advertise their
presence through calling and scent marking. Both sexes scratch and urinate at
the base of trees, but only the male ejects a spray over the foliage of a low
bush. Droppings are made in conspicuous places - such as on tracks or roads -
where 'trespassing' leopards are likely to find them and be warned off. All
possible steps are taken to defend territories through scents, signs and
signals rather than physical conflict. As a solitary hunter, a leopard cannot
afford to become injured and must avoid confrontation at all times.
Territorial imperative The size of a
leopard's territory will depend upon the terrain and the density of available
prey. Ideal habitat often includes rocky outcrops or, more particularly,
well-wooded drainage lines and river courses. Such places provide ideal hunting
ground, as the leopard relies on stalk and ambush, as well as plenty of places
to hide prey and raise cubs. Females range over smaller territories than males,
and there is frequently some overlap between 'mothers' , 'sisters' and
'daughters'. Dominant males - often referred to as 'Toms' - occupy larger
territories and do not mingle, so frequently enjoy mating opportunities with
several territorial females.
Leopards reach sexual maturity at two years of age
and females come into heat about every six weeks thereafter. Males are
attracted to females in oestrus by scent, and the courting pair will stick
together - even sharing kills - for several days, mating at regular intervals
until conception occurs.
Only the strong survive One, two or
three cubs are born after a three-month pregnancy, and are well-hidden in a
thicket or cave. Born blind and helpless, it will be six weeks before they
emerge from their den. Once able to accompany their mother, they mature
rapidly, climbing trees and capturing small prey. Weaning takes place at about
three months, but it is over a year before they are able to fend for
themselves. It is normal for siblings to stick together for some time after
leaving their mother. Life is hard for the young leopard as they need to
compete for space with experienced leopards, or evade the gauntlet of
stock-keepers' traps and guns.
Opportunistic hunters Leopards are the
ultimate opportunists, and will eat just about anything. In unspoiled areas
rich in wildlife, they favour medium-sized to small antelopes - impala, duiker
and bushbuck - but take a wide range of prey as opportunities arise. Prey is
typically captured after a patient stalk and sudden pounce. Where lions and
hyenas are present, kills are hoisted up into trees where they may be fed upon
at leisure over several days. Leopards are immensely powerful and capable of
hauling up prey as heavy as themselves. But, they will just as happily feed on
winged termites, stranded catfish and baby guineafowl. Outside of protected
areas, leopards survive on rodents, ground birds, reptiles and - often to their
detriment - lambs, dogs and poultry. Unlike lions, they rarely scavenge but
will readily dispossess lesser carnivores such as cheetah from fresh kills.
Day or night? Leopards are thought to be
primarily nocturnal but long-term observations in protected areas have revealed
otherwise. A considerable amount of hunts take place in daylight, for a leopard
dozing on the branch of a sausage tree will think nothing of slinking down the
trunk at noon to pursue a potential meal. Like most animals, they avoid the
heat of day, and seek out the coolest shady spots in which to rest. These sleek
predators certainly feel more secure under the cover of darkness, however, for
it is only then that they make their rasping saw-like contact call - a warning
or invitation, as the case may be.
African "Big Five"
