516 CARNIVORA 



North China, is longer and softer, and the markings are con- 

 sequently less distinct than on those from more congenial climates, 

 and the well-marked variation thus produced has given rise to the 

 idea of specific distinction. 



The size of different individuals, as before said, varies greatly, 

 the head and body usually measuring from 3h to 4J feet in length, 

 and the tail from 2h to 3 feet, but specimens have been met Avith 

 which fall short of or exceed these limits. The ground colour of 

 the fur varies from a pale fawn to a rufous buff, graduating into a 

 pure Avhite on the under parts and inside of the limbs. This is 

 spotted over with dark brown or black ; the spots on the back and 

 sides being arranged in rosettes or broken rings, which vary greatly 

 in size and distinctness in different individuals, but are without the 

 central spot seen in those of the Jaguar. The spots on the under 

 parts and limbs are simple and blacker than those on the other parts 

 of the body. The bases of the ears behind are black, the tips buff. 

 The upper side of the tail is buff, spotted with broken rings like 

 the back, its under surface white with simple spots. The hair of 

 the cubs is longer than that of the adults, its ground colour less 

 1 >right, and its spots less distinct. Perfectly black Leopards, which, 

 however, in certain lights show the characteristic markings on the 

 fur, are not uncommon. These appear to be examples of melanism, 

 occurring as individual variations, sometimes in one cub out of a 

 litter of which the rest are normally coloured, and therefore not 

 indicating a distinct race, much less a species. These are met 

 with chiefly in Southern Asia. "We are not aAvare of any recorded 

 case from Africa, though there seems no reason why they should 

 not occur. 



In habits the Leopard resembles the other large Cat-like animals, 

 yielding to none in the ferocity and bloodthirstiness of its dis- 

 position. It is exceedingly quick and active in its movements, but 

 seizes its prey by Avaiting in ambush or stealthily approaching to 

 within springing distance, Avhen it suddenly rushes upon it and 

 tears it to the ground with its poAverful claAvs and teeth. It preys 

 upon almost any animal it can OA r ercome, such as antelopes, deer, 

 sheep, goats, monkeys, peafoAvls, and is said to have a special liking 

 for dogs. It not unfrequently attacks human beings in India, 

 chiefly children and old Avomen, but instances have been knoAvn of 

 a Leopard becoming a regular " man-eater." When faA T ourable 

 opportunities occur, it often kills many more Adctims than it can 

 devour at once, apparently to gratify its propensity for killing, or 

 only for the sake of their fresh blood. It generally inhabits Avoody 

 districts, and can climb high trees with facility if necessaiy for its 

 safety when hunted, but usually lives on or near the ground, among 

 rocks, bushes, and roots and Ioav branches of large trees. 



The present geographical range of the Leopard is very extensiA r e, 



