Coat:
* Rosettes: Their most distinctive feature is their coat covered in black, ring-like markings called rosettes. These rosettes are solid black in the center and have a ring of black spots around the perimeter. The pattern is unique to each individual, like a fingerprint.
* Color: The base coat color can range from yellowish-tan to reddish-brown, with darker variations depending on the region.
* Spots: In addition to rosettes, leopards have solid black spots scattered across their body, including their head and legs.
* Underside: The underside of the body is typically white or cream, sometimes with black spots.
* Melanistic: A rare variation called a black leopard or panther has a coat that is almost entirely black.
Physical Features:
* Size: Leopards are medium-sized cats, with males typically weighing 60-100 pounds and females 45-70 pounds.
* Body Shape: They have a slender, muscular build with long, powerful legs.
* Head: Leopards have a short, rounded head with small, rounded ears and a long, powerful tail.
* Eyes: Their eyes are typically yellow or green.
Overall Appearance:
Leopards are athletic and graceful cats with a striking, almost regal appearance. Their rosette pattern provides excellent camouflage in their natural habitat.
Note: There are different subspecies of leopards, each with slight variations in their appearance. For example, the Amur leopard has a thicker coat and darker rosettes than the African leopard.