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  Leopard  

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Uploaded: 05/03/09 9:59 AM GMT
Leopard
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The leopard (Panthera pardus) is a member of the Felidae family and the smallest of the four "big cats" in the genus Panthera; the other three are the tiger, lion and jaguar. Once distributed across southern Asia and Africa, from Korea to South Africa, the leopard's range of distribution has decreased radically over time due to hunting and loss of habitat, and the leopard now chiefly occurs in sub-Saharan Africa. There are fragmented populations in Pakistan, India, Indochina, Malaysia, and China. Due to the loss of range and continual declines in population, the cat has been downgraded to "Near Threatened" species; its numbers are greater than that of the other Panthera species, all of which face more acute conservation concerns. The leopard has relatively short legs and a long body, with a large skull. Physically, it most closely resembles the jaguar, although it is usually smaller and of slighter build. Its fur is marked with rosettes which lack internal spots, unlike those of the jaguar. Leopards that are melanistic, either completely black or very dark in coloration, are one of the big cats known colloquially as black panthers. The species' success in the wild owes in part to its opportunistic hunting behaviour, its adaptability to a variety of habitats and its ability to move at up to approximately 60 kilometres (37 miles) an hour. The leopard consumes virtually any animal it can hunt down and catch. Its preferred habitat ranges from rainforest to desert terrains. Its ecological role and status resembles that of the similarly-sized cougar in the Americas.

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.HylianPrincess1985
05/03/09 4:57 PM GMT
Absolutely beautiful, Paul.
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Journies end in lovers meeting...
::100k_xle
05/03/09 5:35 PM GMT
Wonderful Detail and Clarity in this One Paul.
Thanks for sharing.

E J
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This Image GRABBED my EYE. That's Why I Stopped By. Thanks For Sharing ! Never argue with an idiot. They drag you down to their level and then beat you with experience
.icedancer
05/04/09 12:34 AM GMT
You sure are getting fabulous close up captures Paul, again such marvelou detail and colour. Bravo
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Happy Weekend to You
.Logun7
05/04/09 12:46 AM GMT

Great shot of a magnificent animal!!!
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::garrettparkinson
05/04/09 3:48 AM GMT
I like this alot Paul. The eye is fantastic. Resolution,
outstanding.

Garrett
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::gandarva
05/04/09 4:43 AM GMT
Beautiful Paul! I love these cats. All of them. Have probably saved them more than any other photos. Yours is downloaded and is a favorite! Thank you! Allen
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Allen a.hatch@earthlink.net
.Catharina1
05/04/09 9:16 AM GMT
Indrukwekkend dier, maar ook foto! Mich
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.gizmo1
05/04/09 11:04 AM GMT
Nice photo but i dont think the head goes with the body its like there is two cats one lighter coloured than the other.
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::allisontaylor
05/04/09 9:08 PM GMT
Fantastic pose and details. Love the snarly expression. He has a fierce demeanor. All black background showcases him so well.
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.spoton
05/05/09 1:07 AM GMT
A very beautiful animal, well done.
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Charlie
::verenabloo
05/08/09 7:33 AM GMT
You know, my Dear Paul..you are spoiling me with all these beautiful cats! But, oh my, how I love your photography of them. So precious.I love how you captured the little "smug" look on the Leopards face. Now, the one that is the "missing cat" is the Panther, the black..wow..do they have them over there? I rarely see photos of those beauties. Your commentary is wonderful, these cats eat just about anything they can catch? wow. Kind of scarey for sure. Thank you so much for a most treasured photo. Verena
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God gave you a gift of 86,400 seconds today. Have you used one to say "thank you?" William Arthur Ward
::jeenie11
05/11/09 3:13 PM GMT
beautiful shot of this elegant animal. the dark background is so effective.
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AVATAR BY PJ............... i am always extremely grateful for the kind comments and suggestions that you make. Please Visit My Gallery
.miiste
05/31/09 3:23 PM GMT
Great clarity in the face. Beautiful image!
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Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up. -Pablo Picasso
.J_E_F
06/06/09 5:24 AM GMT
How do you do it? Stunnnnnnnning! Well deserved elevation to the permanent gallery. J.
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.Angel93
06/06/09 5:32 PM GMT
It's so beautiful, i wouldn't mind if it bit me
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::assfarst
08/20/09 3:19 PM GMT
He's beauty and strength personified. The loss of such beauty would be terrible. Thank you very much for sharing.
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simoriah
11/08/09 10:16 PM GMT
My absolute favorite animal. Beautiful picture! :)
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.Jackii
08/30/11 2:51 AM GMT
Awesome Photo

Jackii
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