Physiology, behavior and speed of the leopard: interesting facts from the world of wildlife and familiarity with the "sea namesake"

Our animal world is amazing. And with this it is impossible not to agree. You can talk for a long time about bright singing birds, huge whales, awesome sharks ... but now I would like to pay attention to wild cats - noble, graceful, stately creatures.

Listed in the Red Book

Representatives of this species of predatory felines appeared on our Earth about 3.8 million years ago. Much earlier than lions and jaguars, but later tigers and irbis. These large cats have a muscular, somewhat elongated body, characterized by incredible harmony, flexibility and ease. Particular attention is paid to the front legs - wide and powerful.

The body length reaches 190 centimeters (along with a nearly meter-long tail). These representatives of the panther weigh up to 75 kilograms. But this is the maximum. The females are smaller, lower and "lighter" - about a third.

Looking at this cat, you can guess about her physical strength. The speed of the leopard reaches 60 km / h. High strong paws and a flexible structure allows these animals to quickly gain such dynamics. The average speed of a leopard is 16-18 meters per second. It is also surprising that this animal can easily make a 10-meter jump in length. In height, of course, the indicator will be smaller, but also impressive - 4 m.

About hunting

The speed of the leopard can not help but surprise - after all, at about the same mark is the arrow speedometer cars, daily driving in the city. That's only the ability to use the cat rarely. Because leopards are waiting for their victims, usually on a tree. And when the potential prey approaches - jump from above. They feed mainly on ungulates. Sometimes birds, monkeys, rodents and even reptiles. Carrion does not disdain too.

But still the speed of the leopard is evident after the hunt. After killing the victim, he grabs her with his long and sharp fangs and instantly climbs up with her to the tree, dragging the food to the high branches. He does this so that other animals do not get to his meal. Surprisingly, with an antelope, whose weight can reach 80 kilograms, the leopard can race without slowing down. And with her in the teeth, he easily jumps to a height of 2-3 meters. On trees this predator is also easy to climb, because the length of its sharp, strong, rounded claws is about 5 cm. He can score a victim by them - and it is impossible to get caught by the bark.

Naval "namesake"

So, above, we told what the leopard speed (km / h) is equal to, and discussed what features this graceful creature possesses. Now we can note the attention of his sea "namesake", which is known in Latin as Hydrurga leptonyx. And this is a sea leopard! Seal, which lives in the subantarctic regions of the southern ocean. Why is it called that? Looking at the photo below, you can independently answer this question. It's because of his spotted skin. And predatory behavior.

Indeed, this creature eats other seals, penguins and warm-blooded ones. No one can get away from it. If the victim tries to escape and gets out on the ice, a predatory seal follows her and finishes. This is a very dangerous creature. In yet another picture below, you can see how big the sea leopard is. His body weight and length is twice as large as all known crab-seal seals. On the bodies of which, by the way, it is not uncommon to notice scars due to the attack of these marine predators.

Physiology

The speed of the sea leopard reaches 40 km / h. In comparison with a wild cat, the indicator may not impress, but it is only worth getting accustomed to this animal! It's a seal, whose aerodynamics leaves much to be desired. Although biologists assure that this form is just what is needed. It is streamlined, and because of it the seal is similar to a torpedo. And they are known to be fast.

In general, the maximum speed of a leopard is achieved in a very interesting way. The front fins work quickly, synchronously - they carry the seal forward. Their length reaches a meter, so that acceleration occurs quickly. A long, flexible neck at the same time keeps a slightly flattened head, something even resembling a snake.

And the aggressive nature also makes itself felt - the speed of movement of the sea leopard, as soon as he saw his potential food, increases at times. He can even jump out of the water in height, despite his weight in half a ton.

What's the Difference?

It would seem that the question is not quite relevant, given that one animal is a representative of a cat, and another is a seal. And yet, since the names of species are almost identical, one can not say nothing about it.

Spotted seal was unjustifiably called a leopard. Because these cats are not really aggressive. They will never attack a person if he does not disturb them. Leopards are only defended - otherwise they are peaceful. But this can not be said about spotted seal killers. Although only one death is known. Again, the speed of this seal played a role. Here's what happened: Kirsty Brown (a British scientist) immersed herself in the water at a depth of 70 meters. The sea leopard appeared as if from nowhere - grabbed it and held it until the girl gasped. These creatures attack even when people are outside their "environment" - on land. They jump out and grab at their feet. However, there are people who assure that they can be contacted. Photographers, for example. Many argue that seals, if "to stay in their sight", do not show aggression, but curiosity.

World record holder

Well, the speed of a leopard (km / h) is impressive, but it's almost half the size of an absolute leader in terms of overclocking. It is, of course, a cheetah listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the fastest mammal in the world. In three seconds this animal is able to reach a speed of 112 m / h. He has an ideal body in terms of aerodynamics - slender, muscular, without fatty deposits, with a small head, high-placed eyes and small round ears. And weight - from 40 to 65 kilograms. Impressive creation. And bewitching.