Persian Leopard
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| Panthera pardus saxicolor Pocock, 1927 |
The Persian leopard (Panthera pardus saxicolor), or Iranian leopard is one of the subspecies of leopards that's native to western Asia, The Persian leopard is endangered through out its distrubtion area in the Middle East.
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[edit] Description
The Persian leopard is said to be the largest of all the subspecies of leopards in the world. It can grow to up to 1.5 to 2.7 feet tall and weigh as much as 155 lbs.
[edit] Range/Habitat
It thrives in Iran, Armenia, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and northwestern Afghanistan. Habitat varies from mountain steppe to grasslands, or anywhere having a reasonable amount of cover and a supply of prey.
[edit] Persian Leopard in Armenia
In Armenia, the Persian leopards live in the juniper sparse forests and, to a lesser extent, in arid and mountain grasslands, subalpine and alpine meadows. Their haunts are extremely rough and rocky places with plenty of cliffs. This predator uses the same trails during regular movements, so knowing where they are, the researcher can find the evidence of leopard existence such as scats, tracks and scrapes.
[edit] Iran
It was thought that the Persian Leopards thrived outside Iran until a total of 87 where found on the shores of the Caspian Sea and Urmia Lake in Iran.
[edit] Food/Hunting
A leopard's diet varies depending on where it thrives. The Persian leopard's diet varies from small mammals and birds, to larger animals such as, deer, antelope, Bezoar ibex, and occasionally wild boar. The animal silently stalks its prey, and then strikes out of nowhere, ending with a bite to the throat.
[edit] Biology
For the Persian leopard, gestation period lasts for 3 to 4 months. Females reach sexual maturity at about two and a half years of age. The offspring consists of usually 3 cubs.
[edit] Threats
This species is listed as endangered and commercial trade of this species is prohibited by international law. The Persian leopard has been threatened due to persecution, habitat loss, and poaching. It is also one of the animals in western Asia which is suffering from warfare in its range.
