The
leopard’s coat is generally yellowish to brown and covered
with rosettes, but their bellies are white with solid black
spots. Leopards have large heads, thick necks and long whiskers.
Their claws are sharp and fully retractable. Leopards are
short and stocky in appearance, but they are powerful and
agile. Adult male leopards weigh between 38 and 70 kg and
adult females 15 and 40 kg.
Spoor
The
tracks of male leopards, presented here, are larger
than those of females. The front foot is much wider,
yet slightly shorter than the back foot. Average measurements
(mm) for males are presented (width x height).
Front
foot - 72 x 78mm
Back
foot - 67 x 83mm
Biology
The leopard is solitary, secretive and nocturnal.
Leopards live in defined home ranges but there is extensive
overlap between the home ranges of individuals. Gestation
period is approximately 105 days and litters range between
1 and 3 cubs. Survival of cubs is high, but in a stable population
the survival of sub adults is low. Sub-adults attain complete
independence at approximately 20 – 24 months. Females
become reproductively active and breed at the age of 2 years.
Distribution
Leopards occur throughout Namibia. They are
able to adapt and succeed in wide variety of environments.
Although generally, but incorrectly, associated with koppies,
rocky hills, and mountain ranges, leopards are equally abundant
and successful in open savannahs, forests, and desert habitats.
Predation
The leopard is an opportunistic feeder but
the tend to prey on animals less than 70 kg in mass. In some
areas leopards kill mainly dassies and klipspringers, and
in other areas, impalas or springboks may be the dominant
prey. In the Kaudom Game Reserve duikers form the most important
part of their diet (33% of all kills and 60% of biomass),
followed by steenboks and eland calves. Leopards may prey
on 20 to 30 different species. These include birds, reptiles
(snakes), and other carnivores (e.g. black-backed jackals,
cheetah, aardwolfs and bat-eared foxes).
Conflict/Enemies
Leopards sometimes take to stock raiding on
farmlands, and as a result, are frequently trapped or shot.
Lions and spotted hyaenas occasionally kill leopard cubs or
adults in poor condition, but man poses the biggest threat
to the species.
Multimedia
(Download
QuickTime
to view video clips)
