Last updated on May 2nd, 2023
40. The Leopard Population Is Declining
A leopard’s habitat isn’t the only thing declining, and the population is also declining. Every leopard sub-species are critically endangered thanks to large predators, poaching, and habitat loss. Animals groups are doing their best to manage leopard populations and prevent them from becoming extinct, and it will be a tragedy if they fail.
41. Leopards Have Short Pregnancies
A woman’s pregnancy lasts about 40 weeks, which is enough time for her to get used to the idea of being a mother and preparing for the baby. A leopard’s pregnancy is much shorter and lasts just three months.
42. Leopard Cubs Are Born Blind
When leopard cubs are born, their eyes are closed, and they’re blind. During this time, they rely entirely on their mother to survive. Cubs open their eyes at around ten weeks and become a bit more independent, but don’t become totally independent until they’re two years old.
43. Many Leopard Cubs Don’t Live Longer Than a Year
Sadly, only around 50 percent of leopard cubs make it to their first birthday, and there are several reasons for this. Other big cats will prey on baby leopards when food is scarce. Also, if a cub loses its mother, it can quickly become prey. Also, if the cub isn’t born healthy, it may not survive.
44. Leopard Cubs Start Hunting At An Early Age
For the first two months of a cub’s life, its mother will do the hunting and bring food back to the den for her cubs. When the cubs are three months old, they start hunting with their mother. She teaches them everything they need to know so they can go off on their own when they’re two years old.
45. Cubs Have Thick Coats
When leopard cubs are born, their fur is longer and thicker than an adult leopard’s fur. The long, thick coat will keep them warm because young cubs cannot regulate their body temperature. As the cub ages, the fur will start to thin out and be shorter.
46. Leopards Don’t Like Tourists
People who go on a safari often hope to see a leopard, which doesn’t happen too often. Leopards may not be a threat to humans, but they don’t want to be around them. Seeing a leopard on a safari is very rare, thanks to their ability to camouflage themselves. Don’t take it personally; they just aren’t social creatures.
47. Sharing Meals
If a leopard lives in the same area as a larger cat, they’ve devised a system to ensure everyone gets fed. The larger cat will hunt for larger prey, while the leopard will settle for smaller prey, making leopards one of the most generous animals in the animal kingdom.