76 



SOUTH AFRICAN MAMMALS 



tame, spitting and snarling at one after many months, 

 of captivity. 



Leopardus pardus. Leopard. Luipaai-d and Tijger. 

 (Sometimes " Tiger," of the colonials.) 



The Leopard is almost as well known an animal in 

 South Africa as the Lion, and its handsomely marked 

 skin is much prized by Europeans and Blacks alike. 



Fig. 22. — Baby Leopards at play. 



The ground colour of the fur is of a yellowish shade,, 

 fading to white on the region of the belly, covered with 

 dark brown or black spots, those on the back, sides and 

 flanks being arranged so as to form incomplete rings- 

 with light centres. The tail is ringed. Length of head 

 and body from 3 feet 6 inches to 5 feet. Tail, 'J feet 6 

 inches to 8 feet. It is a shorter-legged, longer-bodied 

 animal than the Cheetah, from which it is further dis- 

 tinguished by its *' ringed " spots. The Leopard is found 



