NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA 



On the contrary, the claws of the Hunting Leo- 

 pard can only be slightly withdrawn, and are at 

 all times visible, like those of a dog. These claws 

 are comparatively blunt, and not so acutely curved 

 as those of the true cats. In addition it resembles 

 the dog in certain of its teeth and muscles. 



At a first glance a Chita has the appearance of a 

 lanky, half-starved leopard. On close inspection, 

 however, it is seen to be a slender, graceful animal, 

 the body and long limbs being specially built for 

 speed. Even the chest is modified in a special 

 way to aid in giving the animal the maximum degree 

 of speed, for it is very narrow and eminently adapted 

 to cleave the air with the smallest amount of re- 

 sistance. 



Apart from its long legs and slender body, the 

 Hunting Leopard differs from the true leopard in 

 its exterior appearance, it being covered all over 

 with black spots, instead of spots arranged in rosette 

 shape, as on the leopard. The general colour of the 

 animal is more or less similar to that of the leopard, 

 being tawny or ochre yellow. 



There is only one species of Chita or Hunting 

 Leopard, although a slight difference exists between 

 those of South Africa and those inhabiting India. 

 The former are somewhat more robust than the 

 latter. 



The Chita inhabits the whole of Africa from the 

 Cape to the Mediterranean Ocean, and extends 

 eastwards to India, where it is common. 



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