Javan Leopard

COMMON NAME : Javan Leopards / Macan / Maung

SCIENTIFIC NAME : Panthera pardus melas

TYPE : Mammals

DIET : Carnivore

SIZE : Head and body 3.0 – 6.3 feet; tail 1.9 – 3.6 feet

WEIGHT : 110 to 155 pounds

IUCN RED LIST STATUS : Endangered

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CURRENT POPULATION TREND : Decreasing

The leopard is so strong and comfortable in trees that it often hauls its kills into the branches. By dragging the bodies of large animals aloft it hopes to keep them safe from scavengers such as hyenas. Leopards can also hunt from trees, where their spotted coats allow them to blend with the leaves until they spring with a deadly pounce. These nocturnal predators also stalk antelope, deer, and pigs by stealthy movements in the tall grass. When human settlements are present, leopards often attack dogs and, occasionally, people.

Female leopards can give birth at any time of the year. They usually have two grayish cubs with barely visible spots. The mother hides her cubs and moves them from one safe location to the next until they are old enough to begin playing and learning to hunt. Cubs live with their mothers for about two years—otherwise, leopards are solitary animals. (National Geographic Website)