NEW YORK ZOOLOGICAL PARK 59 



lion, and is distinguished from the jaguar by smaller spots 

 and less powerful form. It inhabits both Asia and Africa, 

 from Japan to Cape Colony. While the species is regarded 

 as the same throughout that vast extent of territory, it is 

 undoubtedly true that the Leopards of Africa have smaller 

 spots and more intense coloring than those of Asia. The 

 maximum size for this species is a total length of 8 feet, 

 which is attained only by a very large animal, with a long 

 tail. 



Naturally, the Leopard preys upon smaller animals 

 than those most sought by the lion and tiger. It prefers 

 small antelopes, and young animals generally, goats and 

 sheep. When pursued, it is very skilful in hiding, and will 

 shelter in brushy cover until fairly beaten out. 



The Black Leopard is the most ill-tempered of all feline 

 animals perpetually snarling and growling, and seeking to 

 do some one an injury. Old World naturalists regard it 

 as of the same species as the common leopard, (Felis pardus}, 

 despite the fact that it is found only in southeastern Asia, 

 and both in appearance and disposition is totally different 

 from the typical pardus. With but few exceptions, the 

 world's supply of Black Leopards comes from Singapore. 



The Cheetah, or Hunting Leopard, (Cynaelnrus jnbatus), 

 is marked by its long legs, slender body, small head, small 

 spots, and claws that are only partially retractile. Its 

 structure suggests that of the dogs. It is distributed very 

 irregularly through portions of Africa and southern Asia, 

 and is by no means a common animal like the leopard and 

 tiger. 



In central India, this animal is trained to hunt the sasin 

 antelope, a form of sport indulged in chiefly by native ra- 

 jahs. The Cheetah takes kindly to captivity, and permits 

 handling to an extent quite unknown with other large 

 felines. Its keepers place the animal upon an open cart, 

 blindfold it, and then drive to within 200 yards of a herd of 

 antelope. At the point of nearest possible approach, the 

 hood is removed, and the animal is set free. Leaping to the 

 ground, the Cheetah stalks the herd of antelope as closely as 

 possible, then makes a sudden rush forward, and endeavors 

 to seize a victim. If successful, the animal is pulled down 

 find killed. If not. the Cheetah sullenly retires, and again 

 places itself in the hands of its friends. 



The Snow Leopard, or Ounce, (Felis uncia), is the rarest, 

 and also one of the most beautiful of all the large felines. 

 It inhabits the high plateau of central Asia from the Hima- 



