Black Leopard

Black Leopard

Five Interesting FactsStrong jaws and teeth to kill and carry a prey 2x their weight for miles and up a tree More common in AsiaMost widespread of all the big catsFrom the roaring cat family# of species uncertain27 species with only 8 sub-species7-30 subspecies

Critically endangered leopardsAmur Leopard (critically endangered) Anatolian Leopard (critically endangered or possibly extinct) Barbary Leopard (critically endangered) Java Leopard*, Panthera pardus meas (endangered) North China Leopard*, Panthera pardus japonensis (endangered) South Arabian Leopard, Panthera pardus nimr (critically endangered) Sri Lanka Leopard*, Panthera pardus kotiya (endangered) Zanzibar Leopard, Panthera pardus adersi (extinct)

HabitatThick forestPlainsSavannah Human-populated areas

HabitatSpread out over most of Central and South AfricaGreater parts of Southeast AsiaThe Middle EastThe Far East The island of Java

What the Black Leopard EatsSmall to medium-sized animalsAble to change what they eat depending on what is availableBirds, reptiles, hyraxes, baboons, monkeys and domestic dogs

What predators try to eat it?No other animal hunts the black leopard; however, human beings often kill them because:They want to protect their livestock (cows, sheep, pigs).They are afraid of them being maneatersThey are poachers selling their skins.

How does the black leopard reproduce?

Males and females avoid each other except in mating seasonFemales give birth to 2-3 cubs at a time.Mother leopards hide their cubs for about 8 weeks.They give them milk for about 3 months.

What is the estimated population today?Less than 250 mature individuals by some estimates

No one knows for sure how many.

Why is it endangered?Environmental changesshrinking habitatsLoss of natural habitatPoor condition of habitatHuman beings are the biggest threat to the survival of black panthers.Farmers kill them to protect their animals.Hunters kill them for sport.Poachers kill them for their beautiful skins.

What human activities have made this animal endangered?Taking over their habitat

Destroying forest

Hunting, killing and poaching

What positive actions have been taken to help?Get different people and organizations to cooperate in protecting themStop poaching and illegal trade of the leopard and its prey Have protected areasEducate people about wildlife and huntingCaptive breeding programsGet people to know about leopards!

What other steps can be taken?Conservation should be a school subjectblack leopards could be used as an example.

Scientists could develop fake fur that looks like a black leopards skin.

Referenceshttp://peaceriverrefuge.org/Leopard.htmlhttp://randm2.tripod.com/blackleopard.htmlhttp://www.care2.com/news/member/100041282/721741 http://infao5501.ag5.mpi-sb.mpg.de:8080/topx/archive?link=Wikipedia-Lip6-2/44303.xml&stylehttp://www.panda.org/who_we_are/wwf_offices/russia/projects/?uProjectID=RU0110