The Imposing Black Leopard!
--
A rare, wild & elusive animal!
Melanistic leopards and jaguars are uncommon. In addition, confirmed sightings, especially in Africa, are rare events. However, scientists saw a black leopard in Kenya in 2019.
Classification of the black leopard:
Kingdom Animalia.
Phylum Chordata.
Class: Mammalia.
Order: Carnivora.
Family: Felidae.
Genus: Panthera.
Species: Panthera Pardus.
What is a Panther?
A Panther is either a melanistic jaguar (Panthera Onca) or a melanistic leopard-(Panthera Pardus.)
What’s the difference?
The term panther describes a black jaguar or a black leopard, but there are key differences to tell them apart.
The jaguar is stockier & more muscular than the leopard. Its body is compact. It has a broader head, powerful jaws & its tail is shorter than the leopard's tail.
I will write about the black leopard here:
Coat colors:
The Black leopard’s coat is black with the appearance of rosette markings.
Weight & size:
Its weight is up to 130lbs, size 23 to 28 inches at the shoulder.
Location:
Africa, Asia, China & India.
Habitat:
Rainforest, forests, woodlands & grasslands.
Body shape:
Slender, muscular body with a more defined head.
Tail length:
23 to 43 inches.
Kill method:
Bite to the throat or back of the neck.
