Humans have not left even the cats to live peacefully. The big cats are critically endangered in the present. Big cats include the tiger, lion, jaguar, leopard and snow leopard. Many people can easily distinguish the difference between the tiger and lion but they have a harder time identifying a leopard if placed beside a jaguar. A couple of key factors, which help to distinguish the difference between them include the pattern on their fur and the size/shape of their head.
Jaguars tend to have larger rosettes (rose like shaped patches) in the middle while a leopard has plain rosettes with no central spot in the middle.
Jaguars tend to have larger rosettes (rose like shaped patches) in the middle while a leopard has plain rosettes with no central spot in the middle.
Jaguars head is very different when compared to leopards. Jaguar’s head have a much broader forehead and wider jaw.
 Female Leopard |  Female Jaguar at the Caiman Ecological Refuge |
Leopards are the 4th largest cat in the world. This animal is found in regions of Africa, West Africa, and the Middle East, south and Southeast Asia to Siberia.
Leopards can survive in the wild because of their camouflaged fur and strength to move heavy carcasses into tress. They can adapt to various habitats such as rainforest and hilly areas. The key ability, which helps leopards to survive in such harsh habitats is their speed. They can run up to 58 kilometres per hour.
Unfortunately, leopards are listed as NEAR THREATENED on the IUCN RED LIST. There are only 14000 leopards in south Asia. Main reason for the declination in their population is their habitat loss. People destroy their habitat intentionally and illegally to sell them in the wildlife trade for decorative purpose. People hunt down the animal for its beautiful skin and horns. A single animal can fetch up to 5000 US dollars in the market.
Leopards are a part of the food chain. Every animal is. Leopards are food for crocodiles. If the big cat disappears from the food web, then crocodiles will lose their food. If all such preys of crocodile become extinct, then eventually even crocodiles become extinct. In this way every animal disappears including us, the humans! If we disturb nature, it affects us very badly. Every animal should be taken care of.
Leopards can survive in the wild because of their camouflaged fur and strength to move heavy carcasses into tress. They can adapt to various habitats such as rainforest and hilly areas. The key ability, which helps leopards to survive in such harsh habitats is their speed. They can run up to 58 kilometres per hour.
Unfortunately, leopards are listed as NEAR THREATENED on the IUCN RED LIST. There are only 14000 leopards in south Asia. Main reason for the declination in their population is their habitat loss. People destroy their habitat intentionally and illegally to sell them in the wildlife trade for decorative purpose. People hunt down the animal for its beautiful skin and horns. A single animal can fetch up to 5000 US dollars in the market.
Leopards are a part of the food chain. Every animal is. Leopards are food for crocodiles. If the big cat disappears from the food web, then crocodiles will lose their food. If all such preys of crocodile become extinct, then eventually even crocodiles become extinct. In this way every animal disappears including us, the humans! If we disturb nature, it affects us very badly. Every animal should be taken care of.
Baby leopard There are many "big cat" organizations designed to rescue or save big cats. These organizations are in control of few citizens who care about animals. Change is best achieved when a majority of citizens in the world act to protect leopards. It is the time for us to stand up and take necessary action before it’s too late. Learning is a part of the process of change. Learn what is happening to the big cats. Share that information. Some say owning exotic pets is one answer, but I implore you to research this. Exotic ownership is usually about the human's desires and caring well for an exotic animals is neither easy, cheap nor often well understood. The best place for exotic animals is in the wild, and when that can't happen, then a sanctuary that is not a circus or zoo, is a second choice.
Awareness programs can be set up by you! It doesn't have to be a professional. You can do your part to help others learn. You cano spread the news about the importance of leopards in the food chain, and how time is running short if we are going to save them.
Awareness programs can be set up by you! It doesn't have to be a professional. You can do your part to help others learn. You cano spread the news about the importance of leopards in the food chain, and how time is running short if we are going to save them.
Initiative 1401 is carefully designed to help save endangered animals. The measure would prohibit the purchase, sale and distribution of products made from a list of 10 endangered species being exploited or poached to the point of potential extinction. The measure will be enforced by strong penalties, including up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine for the worst offenses. Up to $4,000 in fines for each offense will go into a fund to pay for enforcement efforts. The animals protected by I-1401 include: elephants, rhinos, lions, tigers, leopards, cheetahs, marine turtles, pangolins, sharks and rays. Many such initiatives should establish in many other countries. The forest should be preserved and the rain forest should be extended. This move not only helps to increase leopard count, but also helps to decrease global warming. Also, laws should be strengthened on poachers.
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