The leopard is Africa’s most efficient hunter with a 40% success rate
Adult male leopards reach 65cm (26 in.) tall at the shoulder and weigh up to 60 Kg (132 lb.). The female are predictably smaller, averaging 60 cm (24 in.) at the shoulder and weighing 55 Kg (121 lb.)
The leopard’s most distinctive feature is the black spots on its tan coat, which makes it able to camouflage itself extremely well, hence being known as the elusive cat.
Leopards are very successful as a species, and have adapted well to their ever diminishing natural habitats. They have even settled quite comfortably in the midst of agricultural communities, feeding off the very vulnerable livestock.
Dense bush in rocky surroundings and riverine forest are their favorite habitats, but leopards adapt to many places in both warm and cold climates.
Leopards are primarily nocturnal, usually resting during the daytime in trees or thick bush.
These cats are opportunistic hunters and will take smaller alternative prey such as baboons, monkeys and hares.
Leopards can also obtain all their water requirements from kills, and are therefore not dependent on water. They will however drink if water is available.
Leopards are the quintessential stalking predators, and the term “leopard crawling” is well founded. They prefer to hunt at night, and seek to crawl as close as possible to their chosen prey.
Although they are the second largest of the African predators their kills are often vulnerable and can be taken from them by lion, spotted hyena, wild dog and even jackal when they are in numbers.
The leopard, being the strongest cat weight for weight has the ability to drag a carcass high into trees. The carcasses could be its own weight or more, and the cat claws its way up a vertical tree trunk with the animal in its mouth.
Leopards growl and spit with a screaming roar of fury when angry and they purr when content. They announce their presence to other leopards with a rasping or sawing cough.
The elegant, powerfully built leopard has a long body, relatively short legs and a broad head. Its tawny coat is covered with dark, irregular circles called "rosettes."
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