Leopard - Prince of Darkness
Few animals possess the mysterious aura of the leopard. 'Prince of Darkness' and 'Silent Hunter' are frequent epithets for this traditionally elusive cat. Like the lion, the leopard has been held in awe by generations of people across Africa, the Middle East and Asia. Although an infrequent man-killer, leopards elicit fear and dread among rural people whose domestic animals may be at risk to these cunning predators.
The leopard is the most adaptable of the large predators and may still be found in close proximity to man, even, sometimes, on the outskirts of large cities. It is able to survive in just about any environment, being at home in forest, savannah, desert, or mountain top. The body of a leopard was once found in the snowfields on Mount Kilimanjaro at an altitude of some 4500 metres!
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.
No comments:
Post a Comment