AFGHANISTAN LEOPARD (PERSIAN LEOPARD) Panthera pardus MAMMAL Order Carnivora Description Head and body length 3.5-6 ft; tail 2-3 ft. 1.5-2.5 ft high at shoulder. 66-155 lbs; males larger and heavier. Variable coat, essentially black spots on a fawn to pale-fawn background; inside of spots may be rust-colored. Small spots on head, larger ones on the belly and limbs arranged in rosettes on back and upper limbs. More densely haired with finer hair, and more cold-tolerant than P. pardus of Africa and India. Range Afghanistan and bordering countries, where they meet Afghanistan. Status This species is listed as endangered and commercial trade of this species is prohibited by international law. The subspecies P.p. saxicolor is extremely rare, both in the wild and in captivity.

Ecology Habitat highland and mountain areas.   Niche carnivorous: prey includes small mammals and birds. Solitary, usually nocturnal, stalk or ambush hunters. Territorial, marking primarily with urine or calls; roar sounds like a saw on coarse wood rasping. Good climbers. Life History Gestation 3.5 mo, litter size 1-3 (usually 2); cubs born blind, mature at about 2.5 yrs. Special Adaptations Dense hair protects animal from colder climates. Spotted coat breaks up body outline. Hindlimbs longer than forelimbs to facilitate jumping. Eyes in front allow for depth perception and ability to isolate and capture prey. Forepaws equipped with long, retractile claws to help grab and hold prey. Rough tongue designed to peel skin of prey animal away from flesh, and flesh from bone. Loose belly skin allows animal to be kicked by prey with little chance of injury.