ABOUT RAIN FOREST LEOPARDS

Leopards (Panthera pardus) are highly adaptable and are found in habitats
from deserts to rain forests. They are found in a large part of Africa, parts
of the Middle East, eastern Russia, and parts of Asia including China,
India and central and southwestern Asia. They are the smallest of the big
cats and are excellent climbers and good swimmers. Rain forest leopards
vary from other leopards mainly in their coat coloration.

Physical Characteristics
Leopards average 28 inches at the shoulder and males tend to be larger than
females. Adult males weigh 80 to 150 pounds while females are 62 to 100
pounds. They live around 12 to 15 years in the wild and have survived to 23
years in zoos. Rain forest leopards have golden coats, while savanna leopards
are yellow to blend with dried grass. All leopards have spots, called rosettes,
which help to camouflage them in dappled light. They have beautiful soft coats
and have been killed for their fur for centuries.

COMPILED BY FAVOUR IMANDA