International Leopard Day was recently celebrated on May 3.
About Indian Leopard (Panthera pardus fusca):
- A subspecies of leopard and the smallest among the Big Cats (genus Panthera), part of 9 subspecies globally. India hosts the largest population of this subspecies outside Africa.
- Distribution: Found across the Indian subcontinent, including India, Nepal, Bhutan, and parts of Pakistan.
- Habitat: Thrive in tropical rainforests, dry deciduous forests, temperate forests, and northern coniferous forests. Absent in mangrove forests (e.g., Sundarbans) and deserts.
Appearance:
- The skin is rosetted on a pale yellow/golden background, fading towards the white underbelly and lower parts of the legs. They have larger rosettes compared to other leopard subspecies.
- Coat color varies by habitat, appearing paler in warm climates and darker in colder regions.
- They have long tails, short ears, and small yellowish-grey eyes.
Characteristics:
- Solitary and nocturnal by nature, and excellent tree climbers.
Conservation Status:
- IUCN: Vulnerable
- CITES: Appendix I
- Wildlife (Protection) Act: Schedule
Ref: Source
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