Leopards - Pictures

Leopards

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Leopards - Diet

Like most felids, Leopard cats are opportunistic feeders; they hunt small mammals (hare, rodents, moles, fawns of deer), and they prey on insects, birds, fish, reptiles and amphibians. They often hunt by dropping on the prey from above. Occasionally they eat grass and eggs. If food is scarce, they raid poultry and feed on human garbage. All cats need to learn to hunt; they require demonstration and hands-on experience. Kittens accompany their mother as soon as they can run. Mothers provide live prey for them to practice. While playing, kittens rehearse their hunting skills and learn what their body can do. Juveniles can starve to death or be killed by prey if they don't develop good hunting skills.

Leopards - Reproduction

Even in the best conditions, Leopard cats reproduce slowly because females have a short breeding period and often don't succeed with their first few litters. Northern subspecies of Leopard cats bear their youth in May while southern subspecies can do it throughout the year. Females give birth to 2-3 kittens, which are blind and weigh 75-130 g. By the age of 10 days, they open their eyes and, by 23 days of age, kittens start to eat the meat that their parents bring. Unlike most felids, males participate in rearing the youth. At the age of 18 months, Leopard cats reach sexual maturity. The life span of a Leopard cat is about 15 years, but in captivity Leopard cats can live up to 20 years.

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