Black Panther
Species and Characteristics
| Kingdom | Class | Order | Family | Genus | Scientific Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Animalia | Mammalia | Carnivora | Felidae | Panthera | Panthera pardus/Panthera onca |
| Green or yellow eyes, powerful jaws, and small heads are characteristics of panthers. Their hind legs are often larger and slightly longer than their front legs. In addition to being among the largest cats in the world and a member of the Big Cat family, it is also capable of roaring, something that other cats from other families are not able to do (i.e. cheetahs). |
| There are many questions surrounding black panthers in terms of evolution. They share a few similarities with the puma. Then, scientists believed the present day panther to be more closely related to jaguars than the leopard, and other believed vice versa. |
| The black panther, elusive and captivating, isn't what you think it is. Panther is a blanket term that refers to several species of big cats classified in the genus Pathera. That includes leopards and jaguars, simply with black coats. They are moreso genetic variations. Their black coat is caused by the agouti gene, which controls the distribution of melanin throughout the hair shaft. But, their black coat doesn't stop their spots from shining through. If hit with sunlight at a certain angle, you'll be able to see their spots quite distinctly. It's understandable why many think they're just a solid color when they're seen with no light bouncing off them. |
| Other than their distinctive color, they have many other physical characteristics that differentiate them (other than their species). Based on their size and weight, they can run between 35 and 50 mph. But, the fastest ever recorded went up to 70 mph. Black panthers can have a lifespan of 12-15 years in the wild, versus in captivity which is up to 20 years. You can find them growing from 43in to 75in, with weight ranging from 80lbs to 350lbs. |
Habitat and Behavior
| Black panthers are native to Asia, Africa, and the Americas. It might be a black jaguar or a black leopard depending on where they are. Although the jaguar's original range was vast and included parts of Central and South America as well as the United States, the panther has evolved into a highly versatile species that can now be found in a wide range of environments. |
| Most commonly they are are found in dense, tropical and deciduous forests but, you'll also find them inhabiting both marshes and swamplands, and even more harsher areas like deserts and mountains. |
| Black panthers very agile and intelligent animals. They are solitary, preferring to be alone. They can also be quite territorial and nocturnal. It's prefer to hunt at night since it's more convenient for them, looking at the color of their fur. A solid black animal is easily more invisible in a habitat that's dark like the rest of it. Like how a tigers stripes helps it blend in with the grass when they're stalking their prey. |