Caffeinated Cravings: Putting The Buzz Back In Your Bumble… It seems it’s not just us humans who seek out regular caffeine kicks - the bees are at it as well! New research has shown that honey bees are three times more likely to remember and seek out food associated with the smell of a coffee or citrus plant (both of which naturally contain caffeine) than food presented without these scents. Well, would you blame ‘em?!… Christy Ullrich of NGS reports:  Bitter-tasting caffeine primarily arose in plants as a toxic defense against herbivores like garden slugs. At high doses, caffeine can be toxic and repellent to pollinators. However, at low concentrations, caffeine appears to have a secondary advantage, attracting honeybees and enhancing their long-term memory, said lead author Geraldine Wright, a neuroscientist at Newcastle University in England, whose study was published online March 7 in the journal Science. “We show that caffeine—a compound whose ecological role is mainly to deter and poison herbivores—actually acts like a drug in an ecologically relevant context,” Wright said. “The plant is secretly drugging the pollinator. It may help the bee, but the plant cares more about having a pollinator with high fidelity!” Read the rest of the report via NGS here.
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Caffeinated Cravings: Putting The Buzz Back In Your Bumble…

It seems it’s not just us humans who seek out regular caffeine kicks - the bees are at it as well! New research has shown that honey bees are three times more likely to remember and seek out food associated with the smell of a coffee or citrus plant (both of which naturally contain caffeine) than food presented without these scents. Well, would you blame ‘em?!…

Christy Ullrich of NGS reports: 

Bitter-tasting caffeine primarily arose in plants as a toxic defense against herbivores like garden slugs. At high doses, caffeine can be toxic and repellent to pollinators.

However, at low concentrations, caffeine appears to have a secondary advantage, attracting honeybees and enhancing their long-term memory, said lead author Geraldine Wright, a neuroscientist at Newcastle University in England, whose study was published online March 7 in the journal Science.

“We show that caffeine—a compound whose ecological role is mainly to deter and poison herbivores—actually acts like a drug in an ecologically relevant context,” Wright said. “The plant is secretly drugging the pollinator. It may help the bee, but the plant cares more about having a pollinator with high fidelity!”

Read the rest of the report via NGS here.

Splotch Watch: Mamma Knows Best When It Comes To Choosing The Nest… Offer a Japanese quail hen a choice of four substrates on which to lay her eggs and she will invariably choose the type that provides the best camouflage for said eggs. Depending on the degree of maculation (that’s splotches, to you and me!) of the eggs, the bird will opt for either a substrate that matches the base colour of the egg (little splotching on these eggs) or that matches the shade of the maculation (lots of big splotches on these eggs). Personally, what I find most impressive about this experiment is that it shows not just that the birds have an awareness of camouflage techniques, but that they make their nest choices prior to laying, suggesting that they know and remember from previous lays what their own individual egg patterning looks like. Amazeballs!  Read the rest of the story from National Geographic here 
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Splotch Watch: Mamma Knows Best When It Comes To Choosing The Nest…

Offer a Japanese quail hen a choice of four substrates on which to lay her eggs and she will invariably choose the type that provides the best camouflage for said eggs. Depending on the degree of maculation (that’s splotches, to you and me!) of the eggs, the bird will opt for either a substrate that matches the base colour of the egg (little splotching on these eggs) or that matches the shade of the maculation (lots of big splotches on these eggs). Personally, what I find most impressive about this experiment is that it shows not just that the birds have an awareness of camouflage techniques, but that they make their nest choices prior to laying, suggesting that they know and remember from previous lays what their own individual egg patterning looks like. Amazeballs! 

Read the rest of the story from National Geographic here 

Source: National Geographic

Dolphin In Distress Gets A Helping Hand From Humans…

While we may be more used to the idea of a friendly Flipper coming to the rescue of us humans, no amount of classic 1960’s television can top this little three minute video clip. Filmed off the coast of Hawaii, the clip (from BBC Breakfast news programme) shows the moment when an 8-foot long bottlenose dolphin - which had become entangled in some fishing line - approaches and is freed by a diver. Martina Wing, who filmed the footage, believes that the dolphin seemed to be clearly attempting to “communicate” with the diver to ask for help and described the encounter as “mind-blowing”.

The full eight and a half minute video of the incident can be seen here 

Fast Food: Sandgrouse Falls Foul Of Killer Claws… Captured by photographer Matt Prophet at Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, this sequential series of snaps shows a young leopard leaping into the air to snatch a Burchell’s sandgrouse right out of the sky from among a small flock. That’s fly-through nom noms with a big dollop of awesomesauce!  Leopards are known to have an extremely broad diet and will feed on a greater diversity of prey than other members of the Panthera species. Their diet consists mostly of ungulates, followed by primates (mostly various species of monkey, including the Vervet monkey but they’ve been known to prey on adult chimpanzees and even gorillas! In fact, leopards are the ONLY natural predator of these latter two species!) However, they are highly versatile hunters and so are also known to opportunistically eat rodents, reptiles, amphibians, insects, birds (especially ground-based types like the Vulturine Guineafowl), fish and sometimes smaller predators (such as foxes, jackals, martens and smaller felid species).  In Africa, mid-sized antelopes provide a majority of their prey, especially impala and Thomson’s gazelles, whereas in Asia, primarily prey include deer such as chitals and muntjacs, as well as various Asian antelopes and ibex. A study at the Wolong Reserve in China revealed just how adaptable their hunting behaviour is. Changes in vegetative cover there over the course of seven years saw the animals opportunistically shift from primarily consuming tufted deer to pursuing bamboo rats and other smaller prey. 
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Fast Food: Sandgrouse Falls Foul Of Killer Claws…

Captured by photographer Matt Prophet at Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, this sequential series of snaps shows a young leopard leaping into the air to snatch a Burchell’s sandgrouse right out of the sky from among a small flock. That’s fly-through nom noms with a big dollop of awesomesauce! 

Leopards are known to have an extremely broad diet and will feed on a greater diversity of prey than other members of the Panthera species. Their diet consists mostly of ungulates, followed by primates (mostly various species of monkey, including the Vervet monkey but they’ve been known to prey on adult chimpanzees and even gorillas! In fact, leopards are the ONLY natural predator of these latter two species!) However, they are highly versatile hunters and so are also known to opportunistically eat rodents, reptiles, amphibians, insects, birds (especially ground-based types like the Vulturine Guineafowl), fish and sometimes smaller predators (such as foxes, jackals, martens and smaller felid species). 

In Africa, mid-sized antelopes provide a majority of their prey, especially impala and Thomson’s gazelles, whereas in Asia, primarily prey include deer such as chitals and muntjacs, as well as various Asian antelopes and ibex. A study at the Wolong Reserve in China revealed just how adaptable their hunting behaviour is. Changes in vegetative cover there over the course of seven years saw the animals opportunistically shift from primarily consuming tufted deer to pursuing bamboo rats and other smaller prey. 

Source: Wikipedia

Yes, but which kinda spots has the spotted tot got???  If you’ve completed your lesson in Spotted Cat Identification 101, then you should be able to tell whether this cute cub is a cheetah, leopard or jaguar? Ok, so its markings are still teeny tiny and you’re being greatly distracted anyway by how HUMONGOUSLY ADORABLE this fluffy felidae is, but go on, have a guess. You’ve a one in three chance of getting it right. It’s a……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………SNOW LEOPARD!!! Just kidding. Although the lightness in colouration of the cub in this particular photograph did lead even myself to suspect at first that it was a snow leopard cub (Panthera uncia - which technically, technically, is NOT a leopard), it is in fact a regular leopard cub - a North China leopard cub (Panthera pardus japonensis), to be precise. Named Zhang Jie, this little fella was the centre of attention when he was introduced to the world at Hagenbeck zoo in Hamburg, Germany back in April 2009. 
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Yes, but which kinda spots has the spotted tot got??? 

If you’ve completed your lesson in Spotted Cat Identification 101, then you should be able to tell whether this cute cub is a cheetah, leopard or jaguar? Ok, so its markings are still teeny tiny and you’re being greatly distracted anyway by how HUMONGOUSLY ADORABLE this fluffy felidae is, but go on, have a guess. You’ve a one in three chance of getting it right. It’s a……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………SNOW LEOPARD!!! Just kidding. Although the lightness in colouration of the cub in this particular photograph did lead even myself to suspect at first that it was a snow leopard cub (Panthera uncia - which technically, technically, is NOT a leopard), it is in fact a regular leopard cub - a North China leopard cub (Panthera pardus japonensis), to be precise. Named Zhang Jie, this little fella was the centre of attention when he was introduced to the world at Hagenbeck zoo in Hamburg, Germany back in April 2009. 

The Leopard Loop: Nine Subs Of Rosetted Rendering… Ok, so if you’ve had a look at my hastily-assembled-but-ultimately-awesomesauce easy peasy lesson plan for Spotted Cat Identification 101 then you should now be a pro fo’ sho in spotting the leopard in the crowd of cats. But what about telling the leopard from the leopard? For the species of Panthera pardus has within it at least nine subspecies. Without any information regarding location of sightings (and/or genetic analyses!), you’re not likely to be able to tell them apart just by looking at a picture, but here are those nine, as recognised by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN): African leopard (P. p. pardus) - Found in sub-Saharan Africa. Listed as Near Threatened by IUCN in 2008, this subspecies shows a decreasing population trend which may soon see that status shift to Vulnerable. Throughout Africa, the major threats to the leopards are habitat conversion and intense persecution, especially in retribution for real and perceived livestock loss. Traditionally, there were, in fact, ten separate perceived subspecies within the African continent. Genetic analyses indicated that all ten were so closely related as to represent only one subspecies. Sample sizes used for this study were limited, however, so a revision of this stance has been suggested.  Amur leopard (P. p. orientalis) - Found in the Russian Far East, Korean Peninsula and Northeast China: Also known as the Far Eastern leopard, Korean leopard, and Manchurian leopard, this subspecies has been listed as Critically Endangered by the IUCN since 1996, with poaching, habitat destruction and climate change as some of the principle threats to the animals. Sadly, a census conducted in 2007 counted only between 19-26 individuals (including 5-6 cubs) suggesting that the remaining population may soon disappear as a result of genetic degeneration through inbreeding. Arabian leopard (P. p. nimr) - Found in the Arabian Peninsula: The smallest of the leopard subspecies, the Arabian leopard has also been listed as Critically Endangered by the IUCN as of 1996. With fewer than 200 individuals existing among three subpopulations, this leopard is threatened by habitat loss, fragmentation and degredation, loss of prey caused by unregulated hunting, trapping for the illegal wildlife trade and retaliatory killing in defense of livestock.  Indian leopard (P. p. fusca) - Found in the Indian Subcontinent: Classified as Near Threatened by IUCN in 2008, these leopards are becoming increasingly rare outside protected areas may may soon qualify for theVulnerable status. Major threats include habitat loss and fragmentation, heavy poaching for the illegal trade of skins and body parts in Asia, and persecution due to conflict situations. Indochinese leopard (P. p. delacouri) - Found in Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam and South China: Given an IUCN status of Near Threatened in 2008, the current downward population trend may soon see that status shift to Vulnerable. There are few contiguous areas left where these leopards have a chance of long-term survival. Javan leopard (P. p. melas) - Found in Java, Indonesia: With less than 250 mature individuals, this subspecies has been listed by the IUCN as Critically Endangered as of 2008. As one of the most densely populated islands in the world, Java has lost up to an estimated 90% of its natural vegetation. This habitat loss, combined with human conflicts, has had a dramatic effect on population numbers. North Chinese leopard (P. p. japonensis) - Found in northern China: This subspecies has been classified as Near Threatened by the IUCN since 2002. The range of this subspecies is well fragmented today but it once ranged from Central China from Lanzhou to the north to the mountains south of the Chinese Gobi Desert, and to the east through Harbin. Persian leopard (P. p. saxicolor) initially described as Caucasian leopard (P. p. ciscaucasica) - Found in the Caucasus, Turkmenistan and northern Iran:  With only between 871 and 1,290 individuals and a decreasing population trend, this subspecies is recognised as Endangered throughout its range. Examinations of Persian leopard mortality rates in Iran revealed that between 2007-2011, 70% of leopard mortalities were as a result of illegal hunting or poisoning and 18% were found to be a result of road accidents. Sri Lankan leopard (P. p. kotiya) - Found in Sri Lanka: Classified as Endangered by the IUCN, the population is believed to be declining due to numerous threats including poaching for trade and human-leopard conflicts. No subpopulation is larger than 250 individuals. Historically, they have been found to occupy all habitat types throughout the island. 
Zoom Info
The Leopard Loop: Nine Subs Of Rosetted Rendering… Ok, so if you’ve had a look at my hastily-assembled-but-ultimately-awesomesauce easy peasy lesson plan for Spotted Cat Identification 101 then you should now be a pro fo’ sho in spotting the leopard in the crowd of cats. But what about telling the leopard from the leopard? For the species of Panthera pardus has within it at least nine subspecies. Without any information regarding location of sightings (and/or genetic analyses!), you’re not likely to be able to tell them apart just by looking at a picture, but here are those nine, as recognised by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN): African leopard (P. p. pardus) - Found in sub-Saharan Africa. Listed as Near Threatened by IUCN in 2008, this subspecies shows a decreasing population trend which may soon see that status shift to Vulnerable. Throughout Africa, the major threats to the leopards are habitat conversion and intense persecution, especially in retribution for real and perceived livestock loss. Traditionally, there were, in fact, ten separate perceived subspecies within the African continent. Genetic analyses indicated that all ten were so closely related as to represent only one subspecies. Sample sizes used for this study were limited, however, so a revision of this stance has been suggested.  Amur leopard (P. p. orientalis) - Found in the Russian Far East, Korean Peninsula and Northeast China: Also known as the Far Eastern leopard, Korean leopard, and Manchurian leopard, this subspecies has been listed as Critically Endangered by the IUCN since 1996, with poaching, habitat destruction and climate change as some of the principle threats to the animals. Sadly, a census conducted in 2007 counted only between 19-26 individuals (including 5-6 cubs) suggesting that the remaining population may soon disappear as a result of genetic degeneration through inbreeding. Arabian leopard (P. p. nimr) - Found in the Arabian Peninsula: The smallest of the leopard subspecies, the Arabian leopard has also been listed as Critically Endangered by the IUCN as of 1996. With fewer than 200 individuals existing among three subpopulations, this leopard is threatened by habitat loss, fragmentation and degredation, loss of prey caused by unregulated hunting, trapping for the illegal wildlife trade and retaliatory killing in defense of livestock.  Indian leopard (P. p. fusca) - Found in the Indian Subcontinent: Classified as Near Threatened by IUCN in 2008, these leopards are becoming increasingly rare outside protected areas may may soon qualify for theVulnerable status. Major threats include habitat loss and fragmentation, heavy poaching for the illegal trade of skins and body parts in Asia, and persecution due to conflict situations. Indochinese leopard (P. p. delacouri) - Found in Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam and South China: Given an IUCN status of Near Threatened in 2008, the current downward population trend may soon see that status shift to Vulnerable. There are few contiguous areas left where these leopards have a chance of long-term survival. Javan leopard (P. p. melas) - Found in Java, Indonesia: With less than 250 mature individuals, this subspecies has been listed by the IUCN as Critically Endangered as of 2008. As one of the most densely populated islands in the world, Java has lost up to an estimated 90% of its natural vegetation. This habitat loss, combined with human conflicts, has had a dramatic effect on population numbers. North Chinese leopard (P. p. japonensis) - Found in northern China: This subspecies has been classified as Near Threatened by the IUCN since 2002. The range of this subspecies is well fragmented today but it once ranged from Central China from Lanzhou to the north to the mountains south of the Chinese Gobi Desert, and to the east through Harbin. Persian leopard (P. p. saxicolor) initially described as Caucasian leopard (P. p. ciscaucasica) - Found in the Caucasus, Turkmenistan and northern Iran:  With only between 871 and 1,290 individuals and a decreasing population trend, this subspecies is recognised as Endangered throughout its range. Examinations of Persian leopard mortality rates in Iran revealed that between 2007-2011, 70% of leopard mortalities were as a result of illegal hunting or poisoning and 18% were found to be a result of road accidents. Sri Lankan leopard (P. p. kotiya) - Found in Sri Lanka: Classified as Endangered by the IUCN, the population is believed to be declining due to numerous threats including poaching for trade and human-leopard conflicts. No subpopulation is larger than 250 individuals. Historically, they have been found to occupy all habitat types throughout the island. 
Zoom Info
The Leopard Loop: Nine Subs Of Rosetted Rendering… Ok, so if you’ve had a look at my hastily-assembled-but-ultimately-awesomesauce easy peasy lesson plan for Spotted Cat Identification 101 then you should now be a pro fo’ sho in spotting the leopard in the crowd of cats. But what about telling the leopard from the leopard? For the species of Panthera pardus has within it at least nine subspecies. Without any information regarding location of sightings (and/or genetic analyses!), you’re not likely to be able to tell them apart just by looking at a picture, but here are those nine, as recognised by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN): African leopard (P. p. pardus) - Found in sub-Saharan Africa. Listed as Near Threatened by IUCN in 2008, this subspecies shows a decreasing population trend which may soon see that status shift to Vulnerable. Throughout Africa, the major threats to the leopards are habitat conversion and intense persecution, especially in retribution for real and perceived livestock loss. Traditionally, there were, in fact, ten separate perceived subspecies within the African continent. Genetic analyses indicated that all ten were so closely related as to represent only one subspecies. Sample sizes used for this study were limited, however, so a revision of this stance has been suggested.  Amur leopard (P. p. orientalis) - Found in the Russian Far East, Korean Peninsula and Northeast China: Also known as the Far Eastern leopard, Korean leopard, and Manchurian leopard, this subspecies has been listed as Critically Endangered by the IUCN since 1996, with poaching, habitat destruction and climate change as some of the principle threats to the animals. Sadly, a census conducted in 2007 counted only between 19-26 individuals (including 5-6 cubs) suggesting that the remaining population may soon disappear as a result of genetic degeneration through inbreeding. Arabian leopard (P. p. nimr) - Found in the Arabian Peninsula: The smallest of the leopard subspecies, the Arabian leopard has also been listed as Critically Endangered by the IUCN as of 1996. With fewer than 200 individuals existing among three subpopulations, this leopard is threatened by habitat loss, fragmentation and degredation, loss of prey caused by unregulated hunting, trapping for the illegal wildlife trade and retaliatory killing in defense of livestock.  Indian leopard (P. p. fusca) - Found in the Indian Subcontinent: Classified as Near Threatened by IUCN in 2008, these leopards are becoming increasingly rare outside protected areas may may soon qualify for theVulnerable status. Major threats include habitat loss and fragmentation, heavy poaching for the illegal trade of skins and body parts in Asia, and persecution due to conflict situations. Indochinese leopard (P. p. delacouri) - Found in Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam and South China: Given an IUCN status of Near Threatened in 2008, the current downward population trend may soon see that status shift to Vulnerable. There are few contiguous areas left where these leopards have a chance of long-term survival. Javan leopard (P. p. melas) - Found in Java, Indonesia: With less than 250 mature individuals, this subspecies has been listed by the IUCN as Critically Endangered as of 2008. As one of the most densely populated islands in the world, Java has lost up to an estimated 90% of its natural vegetation. This habitat loss, combined with human conflicts, has had a dramatic effect on population numbers. North Chinese leopard (P. p. japonensis) - Found in northern China: This subspecies has been classified as Near Threatened by the IUCN since 2002. The range of this subspecies is well fragmented today but it once ranged from Central China from Lanzhou to the north to the mountains south of the Chinese Gobi Desert, and to the east through Harbin. Persian leopard (P. p. saxicolor) initially described as Caucasian leopard (P. p. ciscaucasica) - Found in the Caucasus, Turkmenistan and northern Iran:  With only between 871 and 1,290 individuals and a decreasing population trend, this subspecies is recognised as Endangered throughout its range. Examinations of Persian leopard mortality rates in Iran revealed that between 2007-2011, 70% of leopard mortalities were as a result of illegal hunting or poisoning and 18% were found to be a result of road accidents. Sri Lankan leopard (P. p. kotiya) - Found in Sri Lanka: Classified as Endangered by the IUCN, the population is believed to be declining due to numerous threats including poaching for trade and human-leopard conflicts. No subpopulation is larger than 250 individuals. Historically, they have been found to occupy all habitat types throughout the island. 
Zoom Info
The Leopard Loop: Nine Subs Of Rosetted Rendering… Ok, so if you’ve had a look at my hastily-assembled-but-ultimately-awesomesauce easy peasy lesson plan for Spotted Cat Identification 101 then you should now be a pro fo’ sho in spotting the leopard in the crowd of cats. But what about telling the leopard from the leopard? For the species of Panthera pardus has within it at least nine subspecies. Without any information regarding location of sightings (and/or genetic analyses!), you’re not likely to be able to tell them apart just by looking at a picture, but here are those nine, as recognised by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN): African leopard (P. p. pardus) - Found in sub-Saharan Africa. Listed as Near Threatened by IUCN in 2008, this subspecies shows a decreasing population trend which may soon see that status shift to Vulnerable. Throughout Africa, the major threats to the leopards are habitat conversion and intense persecution, especially in retribution for real and perceived livestock loss. Traditionally, there were, in fact, ten separate perceived subspecies within the African continent. Genetic analyses indicated that all ten were so closely related as to represent only one subspecies. Sample sizes used for this study were limited, however, so a revision of this stance has been suggested.  Amur leopard (P. p. orientalis) - Found in the Russian Far East, Korean Peninsula and Northeast China: Also known as the Far Eastern leopard, Korean leopard, and Manchurian leopard, this subspecies has been listed as Critically Endangered by the IUCN since 1996, with poaching, habitat destruction and climate change as some of the principle threats to the animals. Sadly, a census conducted in 2007 counted only between 19-26 individuals (including 5-6 cubs) suggesting that the remaining population may soon disappear as a result of genetic degeneration through inbreeding. Arabian leopard (P. p. nimr) - Found in the Arabian Peninsula: The smallest of the leopard subspecies, the Arabian leopard has also been listed as Critically Endangered by the IUCN as of 1996. With fewer than 200 individuals existing among three subpopulations, this leopard is threatened by habitat loss, fragmentation and degredation, loss of prey caused by unregulated hunting, trapping for the illegal wildlife trade and retaliatory killing in defense of livestock.  Indian leopard (P. p. fusca) - Found in the Indian Subcontinent: Classified as Near Threatened by IUCN in 2008, these leopards are becoming increasingly rare outside protected areas may may soon qualify for theVulnerable status. Major threats include habitat loss and fragmentation, heavy poaching for the illegal trade of skins and body parts in Asia, and persecution due to conflict situations. Indochinese leopard (P. p. delacouri) - Found in Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam and South China: Given an IUCN status of Near Threatened in 2008, the current downward population trend may soon see that status shift to Vulnerable. There are few contiguous areas left where these leopards have a chance of long-term survival. Javan leopard (P. p. melas) - Found in Java, Indonesia: With less than 250 mature individuals, this subspecies has been listed by the IUCN as Critically Endangered as of 2008. As one of the most densely populated islands in the world, Java has lost up to an estimated 90% of its natural vegetation. This habitat loss, combined with human conflicts, has had a dramatic effect on population numbers. North Chinese leopard (P. p. japonensis) - Found in northern China: This subspecies has been classified as Near Threatened by the IUCN since 2002. The range of this subspecies is well fragmented today but it once ranged from Central China from Lanzhou to the north to the mountains south of the Chinese Gobi Desert, and to the east through Harbin. Persian leopard (P. p. saxicolor) initially described as Caucasian leopard (P. p. ciscaucasica) - Found in the Caucasus, Turkmenistan and northern Iran:  With only between 871 and 1,290 individuals and a decreasing population trend, this subspecies is recognised as Endangered throughout its range. Examinations of Persian leopard mortality rates in Iran revealed that between 2007-2011, 70% of leopard mortalities were as a result of illegal hunting or poisoning and 18% were found to be a result of road accidents. Sri Lankan leopard (P. p. kotiya) - Found in Sri Lanka: Classified as Endangered by the IUCN, the population is believed to be declining due to numerous threats including poaching for trade and human-leopard conflicts. No subpopulation is larger than 250 individuals. Historically, they have been found to occupy all habitat types throughout the island. 
Zoom Info
The Leopard Loop: Nine Subs Of Rosetted Rendering… Ok, so if you’ve had a look at my hastily-assembled-but-ultimately-awesomesauce easy peasy lesson plan for Spotted Cat Identification 101 then you should now be a pro fo’ sho in spotting the leopard in the crowd of cats. But what about telling the leopard from the leopard? For the species of Panthera pardus has within it at least nine subspecies. Without any information regarding location of sightings (and/or genetic analyses!), you’re not likely to be able to tell them apart just by looking at a picture, but here are those nine, as recognised by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN): African leopard (P. p. pardus) - Found in sub-Saharan Africa. Listed as Near Threatened by IUCN in 2008, this subspecies shows a decreasing population trend which may soon see that status shift to Vulnerable. Throughout Africa, the major threats to the leopards are habitat conversion and intense persecution, especially in retribution for real and perceived livestock loss. Traditionally, there were, in fact, ten separate perceived subspecies within the African continent. Genetic analyses indicated that all ten were so closely related as to represent only one subspecies. Sample sizes used for this study were limited, however, so a revision of this stance has been suggested.  Amur leopard (P. p. orientalis) - Found in the Russian Far East, Korean Peninsula and Northeast China: Also known as the Far Eastern leopard, Korean leopard, and Manchurian leopard, this subspecies has been listed as Critically Endangered by the IUCN since 1996, with poaching, habitat destruction and climate change as some of the principle threats to the animals. Sadly, a census conducted in 2007 counted only between 19-26 individuals (including 5-6 cubs) suggesting that the remaining population may soon disappear as a result of genetic degeneration through inbreeding. Arabian leopard (P. p. nimr) - Found in the Arabian Peninsula: The smallest of the leopard subspecies, the Arabian leopard has also been listed as Critically Endangered by the IUCN as of 1996. With fewer than 200 individuals existing among three subpopulations, this leopard is threatened by habitat loss, fragmentation and degredation, loss of prey caused by unregulated hunting, trapping for the illegal wildlife trade and retaliatory killing in defense of livestock.  Indian leopard (P. p. fusca) - Found in the Indian Subcontinent: Classified as Near Threatened by IUCN in 2008, these leopards are becoming increasingly rare outside protected areas may may soon qualify for theVulnerable status. Major threats include habitat loss and fragmentation, heavy poaching for the illegal trade of skins and body parts in Asia, and persecution due to conflict situations. Indochinese leopard (P. p. delacouri) - Found in Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam and South China: Given an IUCN status of Near Threatened in 2008, the current downward population trend may soon see that status shift to Vulnerable. There are few contiguous areas left where these leopards have a chance of long-term survival. Javan leopard (P. p. melas) - Found in Java, Indonesia: With less than 250 mature individuals, this subspecies has been listed by the IUCN as Critically Endangered as of 2008. As one of the most densely populated islands in the world, Java has lost up to an estimated 90% of its natural vegetation. This habitat loss, combined with human conflicts, has had a dramatic effect on population numbers. North Chinese leopard (P. p. japonensis) - Found in northern China: This subspecies has been classified as Near Threatened by the IUCN since 2002. The range of this subspecies is well fragmented today but it once ranged from Central China from Lanzhou to the north to the mountains south of the Chinese Gobi Desert, and to the east through Harbin. Persian leopard (P. p. saxicolor) initially described as Caucasian leopard (P. p. ciscaucasica) - Found in the Caucasus, Turkmenistan and northern Iran:  With only between 871 and 1,290 individuals and a decreasing population trend, this subspecies is recognised as Endangered throughout its range. Examinations of Persian leopard mortality rates in Iran revealed that between 2007-2011, 70% of leopard mortalities were as a result of illegal hunting or poisoning and 18% were found to be a result of road accidents. Sri Lankan leopard (P. p. kotiya) - Found in Sri Lanka: Classified as Endangered by the IUCN, the population is believed to be declining due to numerous threats including poaching for trade and human-leopard conflicts. No subpopulation is larger than 250 individuals. Historically, they have been found to occupy all habitat types throughout the island. 
Zoom Info
The Leopard Loop: Nine Subs Of Rosetted Rendering… Ok, so if you’ve had a look at my hastily-assembled-but-ultimately-awesomesauce easy peasy lesson plan for Spotted Cat Identification 101 then you should now be a pro fo’ sho in spotting the leopard in the crowd of cats. But what about telling the leopard from the leopard? For the species of Panthera pardus has within it at least nine subspecies. Without any information regarding location of sightings (and/or genetic analyses!), you’re not likely to be able to tell them apart just by looking at a picture, but here are those nine, as recognised by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN): African leopard (P. p. pardus) - Found in sub-Saharan Africa. Listed as Near Threatened by IUCN in 2008, this subspecies shows a decreasing population trend which may soon see that status shift to Vulnerable. Throughout Africa, the major threats to the leopards are habitat conversion and intense persecution, especially in retribution for real and perceived livestock loss. Traditionally, there were, in fact, ten separate perceived subspecies within the African continent. Genetic analyses indicated that all ten were so closely related as to represent only one subspecies. Sample sizes used for this study were limited, however, so a revision of this stance has been suggested.  Amur leopard (P. p. orientalis) - Found in the Russian Far East, Korean Peninsula and Northeast China: Also known as the Far Eastern leopard, Korean leopard, and Manchurian leopard, this subspecies has been listed as Critically Endangered by the IUCN since 1996, with poaching, habitat destruction and climate change as some of the principle threats to the animals. Sadly, a census conducted in 2007 counted only between 19-26 individuals (including 5-6 cubs) suggesting that the remaining population may soon disappear as a result of genetic degeneration through inbreeding. Arabian leopard (P. p. nimr) - Found in the Arabian Peninsula: The smallest of the leopard subspecies, the Arabian leopard has also been listed as Critically Endangered by the IUCN as of 1996. With fewer than 200 individuals existing among three subpopulations, this leopard is threatened by habitat loss, fragmentation and degredation, loss of prey caused by unregulated hunting, trapping for the illegal wildlife trade and retaliatory killing in defense of livestock.  Indian leopard (P. p. fusca) - Found in the Indian Subcontinent: Classified as Near Threatened by IUCN in 2008, these leopards are becoming increasingly rare outside protected areas may may soon qualify for theVulnerable status. Major threats include habitat loss and fragmentation, heavy poaching for the illegal trade of skins and body parts in Asia, and persecution due to conflict situations. Indochinese leopard (P. p. delacouri) - Found in Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam and South China: Given an IUCN status of Near Threatened in 2008, the current downward population trend may soon see that status shift to Vulnerable. There are few contiguous areas left where these leopards have a chance of long-term survival. Javan leopard (P. p. melas) - Found in Java, Indonesia: With less than 250 mature individuals, this subspecies has been listed by the IUCN as Critically Endangered as of 2008. As one of the most densely populated islands in the world, Java has lost up to an estimated 90% of its natural vegetation. This habitat loss, combined with human conflicts, has had a dramatic effect on population numbers. North Chinese leopard (P. p. japonensis) - Found in northern China: This subspecies has been classified as Near Threatened by the IUCN since 2002. The range of this subspecies is well fragmented today but it once ranged from Central China from Lanzhou to the north to the mountains south of the Chinese Gobi Desert, and to the east through Harbin. Persian leopard (P. p. saxicolor) initially described as Caucasian leopard (P. p. ciscaucasica) - Found in the Caucasus, Turkmenistan and northern Iran:  With only between 871 and 1,290 individuals and a decreasing population trend, this subspecies is recognised as Endangered throughout its range. Examinations of Persian leopard mortality rates in Iran revealed that between 2007-2011, 70% of leopard mortalities were as a result of illegal hunting or poisoning and 18% were found to be a result of road accidents. Sri Lankan leopard (P. p. kotiya) - Found in Sri Lanka: Classified as Endangered by the IUCN, the population is believed to be declining due to numerous threats including poaching for trade and human-leopard conflicts. No subpopulation is larger than 250 individuals. Historically, they have been found to occupy all habitat types throughout the island. 
Zoom Info
The Leopard Loop: Nine Subs Of Rosetted Rendering… Ok, so if you’ve had a look at my hastily-assembled-but-ultimately-awesomesauce easy peasy lesson plan for Spotted Cat Identification 101 then you should now be a pro fo’ sho in spotting the leopard in the crowd of cats. But what about telling the leopard from the leopard? For the species of Panthera pardus has within it at least nine subspecies. Without any information regarding location of sightings (and/or genetic analyses!), you’re not likely to be able to tell them apart just by looking at a picture, but here are those nine, as recognised by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN): African leopard (P. p. pardus) - Found in sub-Saharan Africa. Listed as Near Threatened by IUCN in 2008, this subspecies shows a decreasing population trend which may soon see that status shift to Vulnerable. Throughout Africa, the major threats to the leopards are habitat conversion and intense persecution, especially in retribution for real and perceived livestock loss. Traditionally, there were, in fact, ten separate perceived subspecies within the African continent. Genetic analyses indicated that all ten were so closely related as to represent only one subspecies. Sample sizes used for this study were limited, however, so a revision of this stance has been suggested.  Amur leopard (P. p. orientalis) - Found in the Russian Far East, Korean Peninsula and Northeast China: Also known as the Far Eastern leopard, Korean leopard, and Manchurian leopard, this subspecies has been listed as Critically Endangered by the IUCN since 1996, with poaching, habitat destruction and climate change as some of the principle threats to the animals. Sadly, a census conducted in 2007 counted only between 19-26 individuals (including 5-6 cubs) suggesting that the remaining population may soon disappear as a result of genetic degeneration through inbreeding. Arabian leopard (P. p. nimr) - Found in the Arabian Peninsula: The smallest of the leopard subspecies, the Arabian leopard has also been listed as Critically Endangered by the IUCN as of 1996. With fewer than 200 individuals existing among three subpopulations, this leopard is threatened by habitat loss, fragmentation and degredation, loss of prey caused by unregulated hunting, trapping for the illegal wildlife trade and retaliatory killing in defense of livestock.  Indian leopard (P. p. fusca) - Found in the Indian Subcontinent: Classified as Near Threatened by IUCN in 2008, these leopards are becoming increasingly rare outside protected areas may may soon qualify for theVulnerable status. Major threats include habitat loss and fragmentation, heavy poaching for the illegal trade of skins and body parts in Asia, and persecution due to conflict situations. Indochinese leopard (P. p. delacouri) - Found in Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam and South China: Given an IUCN status of Near Threatened in 2008, the current downward population trend may soon see that status shift to Vulnerable. There are few contiguous areas left where these leopards have a chance of long-term survival. Javan leopard (P. p. melas) - Found in Java, Indonesia: With less than 250 mature individuals, this subspecies has been listed by the IUCN as Critically Endangered as of 2008. As one of the most densely populated islands in the world, Java has lost up to an estimated 90% of its natural vegetation. This habitat loss, combined with human conflicts, has had a dramatic effect on population numbers. North Chinese leopard (P. p. japonensis) - Found in northern China: This subspecies has been classified as Near Threatened by the IUCN since 2002. The range of this subspecies is well fragmented today but it once ranged from Central China from Lanzhou to the north to the mountains south of the Chinese Gobi Desert, and to the east through Harbin. Persian leopard (P. p. saxicolor) initially described as Caucasian leopard (P. p. ciscaucasica) - Found in the Caucasus, Turkmenistan and northern Iran:  With only between 871 and 1,290 individuals and a decreasing population trend, this subspecies is recognised as Endangered throughout its range. Examinations of Persian leopard mortality rates in Iran revealed that between 2007-2011, 70% of leopard mortalities were as a result of illegal hunting or poisoning and 18% were found to be a result of road accidents. Sri Lankan leopard (P. p. kotiya) - Found in Sri Lanka: Classified as Endangered by the IUCN, the population is believed to be declining due to numerous threats including poaching for trade and human-leopard conflicts. No subpopulation is larger than 250 individuals. Historically, they have been found to occupy all habitat types throughout the island. 
Zoom Info
The Leopard Loop: Nine Subs Of Rosetted Rendering… Ok, so if you’ve had a look at my hastily-assembled-but-ultimately-awesomesauce easy peasy lesson plan for Spotted Cat Identification 101 then you should now be a pro fo’ sho in spotting the leopard in the crowd of cats. But what about telling the leopard from the leopard? For the species of Panthera pardus has within it at least nine subspecies. Without any information regarding location of sightings (and/or genetic analyses!), you’re not likely to be able to tell them apart just by looking at a picture, but here are those nine, as recognised by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN): African leopard (P. p. pardus) - Found in sub-Saharan Africa. Listed as Near Threatened by IUCN in 2008, this subspecies shows a decreasing population trend which may soon see that status shift to Vulnerable. Throughout Africa, the major threats to the leopards are habitat conversion and intense persecution, especially in retribution for real and perceived livestock loss. Traditionally, there were, in fact, ten separate perceived subspecies within the African continent. Genetic analyses indicated that all ten were so closely related as to represent only one subspecies. Sample sizes used for this study were limited, however, so a revision of this stance has been suggested.  Amur leopard (P. p. orientalis) - Found in the Russian Far East, Korean Peninsula and Northeast China: Also known as the Far Eastern leopard, Korean leopard, and Manchurian leopard, this subspecies has been listed as Critically Endangered by the IUCN since 1996, with poaching, habitat destruction and climate change as some of the principle threats to the animals. Sadly, a census conducted in 2007 counted only between 19-26 individuals (including 5-6 cubs) suggesting that the remaining population may soon disappear as a result of genetic degeneration through inbreeding. Arabian leopard (P. p. nimr) - Found in the Arabian Peninsula: The smallest of the leopard subspecies, the Arabian leopard has also been listed as Critically Endangered by the IUCN as of 1996. With fewer than 200 individuals existing among three subpopulations, this leopard is threatened by habitat loss, fragmentation and degredation, loss of prey caused by unregulated hunting, trapping for the illegal wildlife trade and retaliatory killing in defense of livestock.  Indian leopard (P. p. fusca) - Found in the Indian Subcontinent: Classified as Near Threatened by IUCN in 2008, these leopards are becoming increasingly rare outside protected areas may may soon qualify for theVulnerable status. Major threats include habitat loss and fragmentation, heavy poaching for the illegal trade of skins and body parts in Asia, and persecution due to conflict situations. Indochinese leopard (P. p. delacouri) - Found in Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam and South China: Given an IUCN status of Near Threatened in 2008, the current downward population trend may soon see that status shift to Vulnerable. There are few contiguous areas left where these leopards have a chance of long-term survival. Javan leopard (P. p. melas) - Found in Java, Indonesia: With less than 250 mature individuals, this subspecies has been listed by the IUCN as Critically Endangered as of 2008. As one of the most densely populated islands in the world, Java has lost up to an estimated 90% of its natural vegetation. This habitat loss, combined with human conflicts, has had a dramatic effect on population numbers. North Chinese leopard (P. p. japonensis) - Found in northern China: This subspecies has been classified as Near Threatened by the IUCN since 2002. The range of this subspecies is well fragmented today but it once ranged from Central China from Lanzhou to the north to the mountains south of the Chinese Gobi Desert, and to the east through Harbin. Persian leopard (P. p. saxicolor) initially described as Caucasian leopard (P. p. ciscaucasica) - Found in the Caucasus, Turkmenistan and northern Iran:  With only between 871 and 1,290 individuals and a decreasing population trend, this subspecies is recognised as Endangered throughout its range. Examinations of Persian leopard mortality rates in Iran revealed that between 2007-2011, 70% of leopard mortalities were as a result of illegal hunting or poisoning and 18% were found to be a result of road accidents. Sri Lankan leopard (P. p. kotiya) - Found in Sri Lanka: Classified as Endangered by the IUCN, the population is believed to be declining due to numerous threats including poaching for trade and human-leopard conflicts. No subpopulation is larger than 250 individuals. Historically, they have been found to occupy all habitat types throughout the island. 
Zoom Info
The Leopard Loop: Nine Subs Of Rosetted Rendering… Ok, so if you’ve had a look at my hastily-assembled-but-ultimately-awesomesauce easy peasy lesson plan for Spotted Cat Identification 101 then you should now be a pro fo’ sho in spotting the leopard in the crowd of cats. But what about telling the leopard from the leopard? For the species of Panthera pardus has within it at least nine subspecies. Without any information regarding location of sightings (and/or genetic analyses!), you’re not likely to be able to tell them apart just by looking at a picture, but here are those nine, as recognised by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN): African leopard (P. p. pardus) - Found in sub-Saharan Africa. Listed as Near Threatened by IUCN in 2008, this subspecies shows a decreasing population trend which may soon see that status shift to Vulnerable. Throughout Africa, the major threats to the leopards are habitat conversion and intense persecution, especially in retribution for real and perceived livestock loss. Traditionally, there were, in fact, ten separate perceived subspecies within the African continent. Genetic analyses indicated that all ten were so closely related as to represent only one subspecies. Sample sizes used for this study were limited, however, so a revision of this stance has been suggested.  Amur leopard (P. p. orientalis) - Found in the Russian Far East, Korean Peninsula and Northeast China: Also known as the Far Eastern leopard, Korean leopard, and Manchurian leopard, this subspecies has been listed as Critically Endangered by the IUCN since 1996, with poaching, habitat destruction and climate change as some of the principle threats to the animals. Sadly, a census conducted in 2007 counted only between 19-26 individuals (including 5-6 cubs) suggesting that the remaining population may soon disappear as a result of genetic degeneration through inbreeding. Arabian leopard (P. p. nimr) - Found in the Arabian Peninsula: The smallest of the leopard subspecies, the Arabian leopard has also been listed as Critically Endangered by the IUCN as of 1996. With fewer than 200 individuals existing among three subpopulations, this leopard is threatened by habitat loss, fragmentation and degredation, loss of prey caused by unregulated hunting, trapping for the illegal wildlife trade and retaliatory killing in defense of livestock.  Indian leopard (P. p. fusca) - Found in the Indian Subcontinent: Classified as Near Threatened by IUCN in 2008, these leopards are becoming increasingly rare outside protected areas may may soon qualify for theVulnerable status. Major threats include habitat loss and fragmentation, heavy poaching for the illegal trade of skins and body parts in Asia, and persecution due to conflict situations. Indochinese leopard (P. p. delacouri) - Found in Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam and South China: Given an IUCN status of Near Threatened in 2008, the current downward population trend may soon see that status shift to Vulnerable. There are few contiguous areas left where these leopards have a chance of long-term survival. Javan leopard (P. p. melas) - Found in Java, Indonesia: With less than 250 mature individuals, this subspecies has been listed by the IUCN as Critically Endangered as of 2008. As one of the most densely populated islands in the world, Java has lost up to an estimated 90% of its natural vegetation. This habitat loss, combined with human conflicts, has had a dramatic effect on population numbers. North Chinese leopard (P. p. japonensis) - Found in northern China: This subspecies has been classified as Near Threatened by the IUCN since 2002. The range of this subspecies is well fragmented today but it once ranged from Central China from Lanzhou to the north to the mountains south of the Chinese Gobi Desert, and to the east through Harbin. Persian leopard (P. p. saxicolor) initially described as Caucasian leopard (P. p. ciscaucasica) - Found in the Caucasus, Turkmenistan and northern Iran:  With only between 871 and 1,290 individuals and a decreasing population trend, this subspecies is recognised as Endangered throughout its range. Examinations of Persian leopard mortality rates in Iran revealed that between 2007-2011, 70% of leopard mortalities were as a result of illegal hunting or poisoning and 18% were found to be a result of road accidents. Sri Lankan leopard (P. p. kotiya) - Found in Sri Lanka: Classified as Endangered by the IUCN, the population is believed to be declining due to numerous threats including poaching for trade and human-leopard conflicts. No subpopulation is larger than 250 individuals. Historically, they have been found to occupy all habitat types throughout the island. 
Zoom Info

The Leopard Loop: Nine Subs Of Rosetted Rendering…

Ok, so if you’ve had a look at my hastily-assembled-but-ultimately-awesomesauce easy peasy lesson plan for Spotted Cat Identification 101 then you should now be a pro fo’ sho in spotting the leopard in the crowd of cats. But what about telling the leopard from the leopard? For the species of Panthera pardus has within it at least nine subspecies. Without any information regarding location of sightings (and/or genetic analyses!), you’re not likely to be able to tell them apart just by looking at a picture, but here are those nine, as recognised by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN):

  1. African leopard (P. p. pardus) - Found in sub-Saharan Africa. Listed as Near Threatened by IUCN in 2008, this subspecies shows a decreasing population trend which may soon see that status shift to Vulnerable. Throughout Africa, the major threats to the leopards are habitat conversion and intense persecution, especially in retribution for real and perceived livestock loss. Traditionally, there were, in fact, ten separate perceived subspecies within the African continent. Genetic analyses indicated that all ten were so closely related as to represent only one subspecies. Sample sizes used for this study were limited, however, so a revision of this stance has been suggested. 
  2. Amur leopard (P. p. orientalis) - Found in the Russian Far East, Korean Peninsula and Northeast China: Also known as the Far Eastern leopard, Korean leopard, and Manchurian leopard, this subspecies has been listed as Critically Endangered by the IUCN since 1996, with poaching, habitat destruction and climate change as some of the principle threats to the animals. Sadly, a census conducted in 2007 counted only between 19-26 individuals (including 5-6 cubs) suggesting that the remaining population may soon disappear as a result of genetic degeneration through inbreeding.
  3. Arabian leopard (P. p. nimr) - Found in the Arabian Peninsula: The smallest of the leopard subspecies, the Arabian leopard has also been listed as Critically Endangered by the IUCN as of 1996. With fewer than 200 individuals existing among three subpopulations, this leopard is threatened by habitat loss, fragmentation and degredation, loss of prey caused by unregulated hunting, trapping for the illegal wildlife trade and retaliatory killing in defense of livestock. 
  4. Indian leopard (P. p. fusca) - Found in the Indian Subcontinent: Classified as Near Threatened by IUCN in 2008, these leopards are becoming increasingly rare outside protected areas may may soon qualify for theVulnerable status. Major threats include habitat loss and fragmentation, heavy poaching for the illegal trade of skins and body parts in Asia, and persecution due to conflict situations.
  5. Indochinese leopard (P. p. delacouri) - Found in Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam and South China: Given an IUCN status of Near Threatened in 2008, the current downward population trend may soon see that status shift to Vulnerable. There are few contiguous areas left where these leopards have a chance of long-term survival.
  6. Javan leopard (P. p. melas) - Found in Java, Indonesia: With less than 250 mature individuals, this subspecies has been listed by the IUCN as Critically Endangered as of 2008. As one of the most densely populated islands in the world, Java has lost up to an estimated 90% of its natural vegetation. This habitat loss, combined with human conflicts, has had a dramatic effect on population numbers.
  7. North Chinese leopard (P. p. japonensis) - Found in northern China: This subspecies has been classified as Near Threatened by the IUCN since 2002. The range of this subspecies is well fragmented today but it once ranged from Central China from Lanzhou to the north to the mountains south of the Chinese Gobi Desert, and to the east through Harbin.
  8. Persian leopard (P. p. saxicolor) initially described as Caucasian leopard (P. p. ciscaucasica) - Found in the Caucasus, Turkmenistan and northern Iran:  With only between 871 and 1,290 individuals and a decreasing population trend, this subspecies is recognised as Endangered throughout its range. Examinations of Persian leopard mortality rates in Iran revealed that between 2007-2011, 70% of leopard mortalities were as a result of illegal hunting or poisoning and 18% were found to be a result of road accidents.
  9. Sri Lankan leopard (P. p. kotiya) - Found in Sri Lanka: Classified as Endangered by the IUCN, the population is believed to be declining due to numerous threats including poaching for trade and human-leopard conflicts. No subpopulation is larger than 250 individuals. Historically, they have been found to occupy all habitat types throughout the island. 

Source: Wikipedia

Spot The Difference: Spotted Cat Identification 101… Ok, so you’ve got lions and tigers down - one’s plain with a mane (well, the boys have manes at least) and one’s mighty stripy - but what about their not-necessarily-adolescent-but-verily-spotty cousins? Now, while it’s probably not going to be very high on your list of a concerns if you ever happen to come face to face with one of these can-and-will-rip-your-face-right-off ravagers, you may still be curious to know exactly how the heck DO you tell the difference between cheetahs, leopards and jaguars? Well, the quickest clue is in the coat; it’s simply a case of knowing your spots from your rosettes from your rosettes with spots! See? Easy peasies…
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Spot The Difference: Spotted Cat Identification 101… Ok, so you’ve got lions and tigers down - one’s plain with a mane (well, the boys have manes at least) and one’s mighty stripy - but what about their not-necessarily-adolescent-but-verily-spotty cousins? Now, while it’s probably not going to be very high on your list of a concerns if you ever happen to come face to face with one of these can-and-will-rip-your-face-right-off ravagers, you may still be curious to know exactly how the heck DO you tell the difference between cheetahs, leopards and jaguars? Well, the quickest clue is in the coat; it’s simply a case of knowing your spots from your rosettes from your rosettes with spots! See? Easy peasies…
Zoom Info

Spot The Difference: Spotted Cat Identification 101…

Ok, so you’ve got lions and tigers down - one’s plain with a mane (well, the boys have manes at least) and one’s mighty stripy - but what about their not-necessarily-adolescent-but-verily-spotty cousins? Now, while it’s probably not going to be very high on your list of a concerns if you ever happen to come face to face with one of these can-and-will-rip-your-face-right-off ravagers, you may still be curious to know exactly how the heck DO you tell the difference between cheetahs, leopards and jaguars? Well, the quickest clue is in the coat; it’s simply a case of knowing your spots from your rosettes from your rosettes with spots! See? Easy peasies…

Lay Low, Leopard: Camouflage By Crypsis Caught on Camera… There’s a leopard in this picture. Can you see it? No? Well, no matter anyway, because IT. SEES. YOU! So unless you’re tucked away in a nice protective metal and glass box on wheels, then chances are that within a few seconds, you’re gonna be dinner.  Leopards, like many predators, have two clever forms of camouflage at their disposal to help them avoid detection while hunting for prey: disruptive patterning and countershading. Disruptive patterns use strongly contrasting markings such as spots or stripes to break up an animal’s outline, while countershading uses graded colour to create an illusion of flatness, helping to render the animal nearly invisible against a matching background.  The ability of any organism to avoid observation or detection by other organisms is termed Crypsis.
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Lay Low, Leopard: Camouflage By Crypsis Caught on Camera…

There’s a leopard in this picture. Can you see it? No? Well, no matter anyway, because IT. SEES. YOU! So unless you’re tucked away in a nice protective metal and glass box on wheels, then chances are that within a few seconds, you’re gonna be dinner. 

Leopards, like many predators, have two clever forms of camouflage at their disposal to help them avoid detection while hunting for prey: disruptive patterning and countershading. Disruptive patterns use strongly contrasting markings such as spots or stripes to break up an animal’s outline, while countershading uses graded colour to create an illusion of flatness, helping to render the animal nearly invisible against a matching background. 

The ability of any organism to avoid observation or detection by other organisms is termed Crypsis.

fireflyinthesky: birdandmoon: Like so many biology geeks, I grew up with David Attenborough documentaries. This comic includes a shout-out to some Attenborough favorites, including the critically endangered Panamanian Golden “Waving” Frog.  The original comic is over here! Love love love love! Fuck Yeah, David Attenborough!!! Haha, this is awesome! Is it wrong that I randomly love this cartoon even more now that I’ve noticed Dave’s got a nice glass of wine on the go!?!
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fireflyinthesky:

birdandmoon:

Like so many biology geeks, I grew up with David Attenborough documentaries. This comic includes a shout-out to some Attenborough favorites, including the critically endangered Panamanian Golden “Waving” Frog.  The original comic is over here!

Love love love love!

Fuck Yeah, David Attenborough!!! Haha, this is awesome! Is it wrong that I randomly love this cartoon even more now that I’ve noticed Dave’s got a nice glass of wine on the go!?!

Source: birdandmoon