Kjong Safaris Ltd

LEOPARDS, THE RARE CAT

Leopard in Murchison Falls NP 

The Leopard belongs to the cat family and is rarely found hence making it less studied. It is found in grasslands, mountains, bush land and forests. It’s pug mark spots and the thick white tipped tail makes it different from the Cheetah which is more slender.

Defense

Leopards usually have a deep rough cough which is repeated for 10-15 minutes. The sound is like a saw cutting wood and the male has a distinctly deeper voice than the female, 2-3 short coughs signify the beginning of an aggressive charge. The sawing call is meant to inform others of the leopard's presence in the defended territory and prevent others from trespassing that can ignite destructive territorial fights. Leopards are solitary animals and they inhabit and defend home steads which vary from 1 to 30 square km depending on the food that is available. Both sexes defend their own territories and usually annex territories from members of their own sex. Female territories tend to be smaller and several may surround one male territory. Males often scramble over space and mark trees and logs throughout their territory with claws just at the tree bark and then spray urine.

Gestation

The gestation is about 100 days and females come on heat for a week every 20-50 days. Leopards are solitary breeders and the females attract males in the nearby territory with a sawing call. The honeymoon ends immediately after courtship and mating and the males leave and take no part in raising up the cubs. The young ones are born blind and therefore can't follow the mother until they are 8 weeks old. The cubs are hidden in solitary retreat such as caves and rock crevices and then weaned for 3 months after which they gain independence from the parents in 2 years’ time.

Hunting

Leopards surprise and stealthy capture their prey. They also stalk their prey just like the Cheetahs and Lions but their tree climbing habit is an added advantage, they leap out of the tree onto the prey without much notice. They are carnivorous animals and feed on Antelopes, reptiles, warthogs, monkeys, large birds, rodents, jackals, serval's and primates with Baboons being their favorite.

Seeing the Leopards

Leopards being shy imply that sighting may be rare and if seen will be one of the precious moments you can ever have. However in Uganda, you can have chances of seeing Leopards in Queen Elizabeth National Park. This park also offers you a lot to scenery such as the tree climbing lions, hippos, crocodiles, bird species like the African skimmers, martial Eagles, black bee eater among others give you a real birding experience. Boat rides on Kazinga channel will make you relax and appreciate the beauty of this park. Game drives and hot air ballooning gives you an interesting experience on your safari to Uganda. Leopards can also be spotted in Murchison Falls National Park, Lake Mburo National Park and Kidepo Valley National Park.