Leopard - Panthera pardus

Leopard – photographed at the Bannerghatta National Park, Bangalore

The leopard, Panthera pardus, is the smallest of the four "big cats" in the genus Panthera, the other three being 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 because of hunting and loss of habitat. One still comes across stray sightings even now, especially in areas fringing forests and national parks or biosphere reserves, mainly because human encroachment is forever invading what was once exclusive habitat of wild animals and animals are forced to venture out of their natural habitat, usually to prey on cattle and sheep as they come across as easier prey, leading to a lot of resentment among farmers and migrant grazers.

One does wish that we are able to reverse this loss of habitat and give back the forests to these wonderful animals, that are so graceful. One also wishes to see these beautiful animals in the wild and see the spark of freedom in their eyes…..

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