WILDLIFE SOUTH AFRICA |
| LEOPARD |
Latin Name: Panthera
pardus Afrikaans: Luiperd |
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Distribution in South
Africa: |
Found throughout South Africa with concentrations in most National Parks, provincial reserves, protected and inaccessible areas. Also found in some private nature and game reserves. Common outside conservation areas and generally the only large predator that is often found close to human habitation. Leopards occur from high mountains to coastal areas - semi desert to water-rich riverine areas. |
Habitat: |
Mountainous areas, thick bush, along streams and rivers in riverine bush. Leopards are very adaptable and they even occur in dry and semi-desert areas like the Kalahari. |
| Habits: |
Leopards are shy, secretive and cunning animals. They are solitary except when mating or females with cubs. They are mainly nocturnal and probably the most adaptable predator. Their food varies from small rodents to large antelope like Kudu and Waterbuck. In areas with predators they will hoist their prey into a tree to feed on it, while hiding it from other predators. Leopards hunt by stalking, ambushing and then pouncing on their prey. They are very agile in trees and can also swim well. Leopards are known to be very powerful and when cornered or harassed can be extremely dangerous to humans. |
| Difference between male and female: |
Males are much larger and stockier. Mass: Male - 20 to 90 kg. Female - 18 to 60 kg |
| Lifespan: |
About 18 years |
| Breeding: |
Gestation period about 3 months. Usually 2 to 3 are cubs born throughout the year. |
| Food and Water: |
Apart from insects, small rodents and large antelope, they will also hunt birds. Baboons, Warthog and Impala are their favourites. Depending on the area and availability of food Leopards will also prey on dogs and domestic livestock. They are not water dependant but will drink when water is available. |
| Enemies: |
Humans, Lion, Spotted Hyena, Wild dog, Nile Crocodile |