Leopard

Identification
	The Leopard is a strongly built cat with a long tail. It is light golden-brown with black spots and rosettes consisting of 4 to 6 spots arranged in a circle. The male is much larger than the female. It differs from the Cheetah being slender build, taller on its legs with single spots. The Cheetah also has the characteristic "tear-marks" on its face.
Habitat
	The Leopard is very adaptable and even occurs in desert areas. It prefers stony hills, riverine forests, broken country, mountains and thickets. Prey and sufficient shelter such as rocks or bushes are essential. The leopard is independent of water.
Habits
	The Leopard is a solitary animal, accept during mating time. It is mainly nocturnal, but to a certain extent also diurnal in undisturbed areas. It marks its territory with urine. The male's territory overlaps with those of females. The Leopard is a very good tree climber and is able to haul large prey up a tree, out of the reach of scavengers like hyena. It has keen senses and is very cunning and dangerous.
Food
	From mice, dassies and bush pig to small and medium sized antelope and calves of larger antelope. By exception it will pray on big game such as Kudu.
Vocalisation
	Most common is a hoarse cough. It also growls, grumbles and purrs.
Breeding
	2 to 3 (occasionally up to 6) cubs are born anytime during the year. The gestation period is ± 3 months. The female has 2 pairs of abdominal mammae.