Leopard cub - South Africa

 Claus was only supposed to send me the Turkemenistan cards but he also sent this extra cute card, one of my favs too. 

The Leopard – Panthera Pardus – Is another of the Big Cat Species and in South Africa it is known to be the smallest member of the Big  5.

 

 Photo: Chris Daphne

They're probably Africa's most beautiful and elusive cats, seldom seen due to their solitary behaviour.
Of all the big cats, they are the most at home in trees where they rest or store their prey out of reach of lions and hyenas. 

Male leopards defend large territories which overlap the territories of two or even three females. Females defend their territories against other females. Young are born any time of the year as they are non-seasonal breeders.

Leopard cubs are born after a gestation period of three and a half months and females usually give birth to two or three cubs in hidden lairs of natural holes or thick bush. The Leopard mother takes great care to hide the cubs from predators like Lion, Cheetah and Hyena, who would jump at the chance to make an easy meal of the cubs.

Cubs stay with the mother for at least a year, during which time they learn the ways of the wild and how to survive on their own. . in: https://www.krugerpark.co.za

The best places to see leopards in South Africa are:
- Sabi Sands Game Reserve: Renowned for the highest density of leopards and the best, most habituated, and relaxed viewing opportunities on the continent.
- Kruger National Park: Offers excellent chances, particularly in the southern regions and around riverine areas.

- Private Reserves: Phinda Private Game Reserve (KwaZulu-Natal), Shamwari Game Reserve (Eastern Cape), and Karoo National Park (Western Cape) are top locations.
- Cape Fold Mountains: The Cederberg Wilderness is home to the smaller, elusive "Cape Leopard.