Leopard

These cats have an elongated and muscular body. Their paws are broad and their ears are short. In tropical regions their coats tend to be shorter and sleeker, whereas in colder climates their fur is longer and denser. The coloration varies from the color of straw to grayish to even chestnut. The backs of the ears are black except for a spot either located centrally or near the tips. These appear to other animals as eyes. The throat, chest, belly and the insides of the limbs are white. The rest of the head, throat, chest and limbs all have small black spots. The belly has larger black spots, almost like blotches. Region and habitat have an affect on the appearance of the leopard. In Africa, leopards living in hilly areas tend to be larger than those living in lowlands. There is a tendency to melanism, or black coloration, in this species. This characteristic is more frequent in densely forested areas where being darker is probably beneficial in remaining unseen as compared to open areas. Whether spotted or black, the leopard's coloration is extremely effective. Scientists have been unable to spot these cats just a few yards away even knowing that they were present. Leopards have been recorded as long as 2.92 meters but that is extreme, 1.37-1.67 is more common.