Page 84 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - South Africa

82  WILD SOUTH AFRIC A

Leopard
Paradoxically the most abundant yet most elusive of Africa’s large predators, the
leopard is distinguishable by its rosette-patterned coat, powerfully pugilistic physique
and preference for dense cover. This determinedly nocturnal cat is the supreme solitary
hunter, capable of creeping to within a metre of its prey before pouncing. Despite
widespread persecution, the global leopard population stands at an estimated 500,000
individuals, ranging from Asia to South Africa. Sabi Sands (see p345) is the best place
in the world for protracted sightings.

The melanistic leopard, popularly known
as a panther, is found mostly in Asia. However,
there have been a few South African records of
so-called pseudo-melanistic leopards, which
have much denser black spots than normal.
Family and Breeding
The leopard is among the most solitary and
territorial of cats. Adults live alone in well-marked
territories that are never shared with individuals
of the same sex, although males and females
frequently have partial territorial overlap. Even so, a
chance meeting between two individuals is usually
accompanied by real or feigned aggression. Far
smaller than males, female leopards come into
oestrus every 6–7 weeks. At this time, males from
bordering or overlapping territories will often fight
to the death for coupling rights. Mating itself is an
ill-tempered and abruptly executed affair, and the
male has no involvement in rearing the cubs.
Females give birth to litters of two to three cubs in
a sheltered cave or thicket, and keep a close watch
over them for the next 10–14 days, when the cubs’
eyes open. Infant mortality is high; it is unusual for
more than one cub to survive to adulthood. Cubs Leopard cubs typically have greyer pelts than
can fend for themselves at around one year, but the adults. Leopards are famously solitary, and two
usually stay close to their mother for another individuals keeping peaceful company will almost
6–12 months before becoming fully independent. certainly be a female and her cub.

What You Might See
For most safari-goers, the leopard
is the most ardently sought of the
Big Five. It is most likely to be seen
resting up in a tree, in which case it is
often worth waiting to see whether
there is a kill secured nearby, or if it
decides to descend to the ground. A creature of shadow,
Even more thrilling is to catch a cover and darkness, the Sharpened claws are essential
leopard on the move, showing off its leopard is most active components in this cat’s
sleek yet pugilistic build to the full. after dark. hunting and defensive arsenal.

IUCN status LC: Least Concern

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