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Leopard one of the Big 5
A Painting in Mixed Media by Amareza Buys
The South African Leopards (Panthera Pardus) exhibit an astonishing variation in coat colours. The coat varies from pale yellow to deep gold and sometimes black. Male leopards are larger, averaging from 60 kg to 91 kg, while the females weigh about 35 to 40 kg.
Sunset and sunrise are the preferred time to kill prey. In Kruger National Park, male leopards and female leopards with cubs are more active at night as compared with solitary females. The known prey of leopards ranges from dung beetles to adult elands of up to 900 kg. At least 92 prey species have been documented in their diet including rodents, birds, small and large antelopes, hyraxes and hares, and arthropods. like to stalk close and run a relatively short distance after their prey. They kill through suffocation by grabbing their prey by the throat and biting down with their powerful jaws. They rarely fight other predators for their food. Leopards often take large kills into a tree. Most notable is that for this activity great strength is required.
LIST OF REFERENCES:
(Marker L.L., Dickman A.J. 2005; Martins, Q.; Martins, N. 2006; Nowell, K., Jackson, P. 1996; Martin, R. B. and de Meulenaer, T. 1988; Cuzin, F. 2003; Hamilton, P.H. 1976; Bailey, T. N. 1993; Bertram, B. 1974; Jenny, D. 1993; Ray, J. C., Hunter, L., Zigouris, J. Spong, G., Johansson, M., Bjorklund, M. 2000; Henschel, P., Hunter, L. T. B., Coad, L., Abernethy, K. A., Mühlenberg, M. 2011).
Visit South Africa
According to South African Tourism Head Office as on their site, www.southafrica.net, there are 10 reasons why people should visit South Africa. Kruger Park Tours would like to list 5, namely:
- The breathtaking natural beauty of South Africa which is not only in the Wildlife but also the flowers, trees, bushes, sunsets, mountains, grass planes, reptiles, birds, insects, sounds, water, clouds, camp fires, rich cuisine, etc.
- In one country one can Adventure with a Safari to the Big 5, seashores, mountains while being safe but in the true spirit of all the big explorers of the world.
- The diversity of people in South Africa will astonish any visitor due to the rich culture inherent in each of the many ethnic groups in South Africa, making it the best diversity in people experience.
- Within the natural surroundings of the African Wildlife one will find the Elephant, Lion, Buffalo, Leopard and Rhino, but not only that thousands of mammals, birds, carnivores, etc.
- While enjoying all of the above 4 above-mentioned, one is spoiled and pampered within luxury world class facilities, such as lodges, tents, grass roofed houses, bungalows, hotels, etc.