book

The wild cats
By:
Samhitha Kandala

1

Panthera pardus/
Panthera onca
The animal known as a “panther” actually
refers to 3 different types of big cats, leopards
(Panthera pardus) or jaguars (Panthera onca)
that have a black or white color mutation and a
subspecies of the cougar (Puma concolor).
The black panther is often called ‘the ghost of
the forest’. It is a smart, stealth-like attacker,
its dark coat helps it hide and stalk prey very
easily, especially at night.
2

Panthera leo
The lion has forever been a symbol of
strength, power and ferocity.
Lions are the only cats that live in groups.
Male lions defend the pride’s territory while
females do most of the hunting. A group, or
pride, can be up to 30 lions, depending on
how much food and water is available.
A lion’s roar can be heard up to eight
kilometres away. Lions scent mark their
territory, using their wee, to create a
border.
3

4

Lion cubs are born with tawny black
spots which eventually disappears as
they grow older.
Lion cubs start walking at 10 to 15 days
old.
5

Eyes of the newly born cub are closed
and covered with light fur. At age of
2-3 months, cubs learn how to hunt
from their mother.
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