Leopards in Masai mara belong to the kingdom of animalia, class of mammalia and family of Felidae divided into 8 subspecies endemics to Asia and Africa. They are solitary animals popular for their unique strength which makes them to carry their prey on top of trees.
Leopards have slender bodies with soft and thick pale yellowish, dark brown fur with dark spots, their tails are shorter than the body. The first-time leopards were described was in 1758. The male leopards are slightly larger and heavier than female leopards.
Leopards reach sexual maturity by 2 years old and female leopards give birth to 2 to 4 cubs in 1 to 2 years and their gestation period is three months when the cubs are born to depend on their mothers milk until about 3 months when they start tasting meat.
Black panthers are melanistic leopards with a black color caused by a recessive allele which is inherited as a recessive trait, The oldest unambiguous fossils are from East Africa dating to around 2million years ago. Leopards inhabit forests, savannahs, woodlands and montane areas. Leopard face patterns are distinct to each individual.
Leopards in Masai Mara
Masai mara is one of the most sought tourism destinations in Africa famous for excellent wildlife watching including the African big five. There are over 30 resident leopards living in Masai Mara national reserve.
Leopards are cunning and shy in nature usually taking advantage of its body color to camouflage and ambush its prey. Leopards carry their killed prey on top of large trees to keep away from lions and hyenas.
They are shy and nocturnal but never the less. They are good hunters and in Masai Mara leopards usually hunt ungulates but sometimes also hunt primates too. One of the leopards delicacies is a baboon. Leopards have good vision and are skilled tree climbers compared to other cats.
One of the most well known leopards and common leopards in Masai Mara is called Bella. Inhabiting areas around the talek river while leopards are also commonly seen at the leopard gorge. The other renown leopard is called Shepard famous for guarding his large territory.
Due to the secretive nature of leopards. Sighting leopards during a safari in Masai Mara is not guaranteed. A 100 percent but it’s possible to see them if you’re lucky.
Leopards are listed on the IUCN list as vulnerable animals with continuous habitat loss.
