Black Panther Research Paper

Here Kitty Kitty
There are many different types of large felines in the world. Two most common felines are the African lion and the Black Panther. They are two different species because they live in different habitats, and don’t have any common breeding or feeding habits. Neither of them looks like the other. A panther’s appearance is designed to help them survive in their habitat. “The panther is a large powerful, carnivorous feline with a keen sense of hearing and sight. They are solitary animals that are extremely agile- can leap up to twenty feet, have sharp claws and strong jaws” (“Facts about Panthers”). Because of the panther’s size and strength, they have a better chance of catching their prey. “Black panthers are unspotted leopards with dark brown or black fur and have very sharp emerald eye” (“Facts about Panthers”). The color of the panther’s fur helps them blend in when they go hunting, and the sharp emerald eyes help them spot their prey. “their
hind legs are larger than the front legs on a long body and neck with a small head, short face and a long tail” (“Facts about Panthers”). The way their body is shaped helps them defend their territory, or catch prey” (“Facts about Panthers”). These appearances help panthers catch their prey, blend in, and defend their territory. Lions use their appearance for three main reasons; to blend in, protect their pride, and to help them hunt. “The lion, tawny to sandy brown in color, is the largest of the African carnivore” (“Lion Information”). The tawny coloring of the lion helps the blend in when they are hunting prey. “Cubs are faintly spotted on the lower parts” (“Lion Information”). Because of the spots on the cubs lower parts; they have a better chance of blending in and surviving to adulthood. “Some adults retain traces of the spots. Only adult males have manes that vary in color from tawny to black” (“Lion Information”). Adult male lions use their manes to intimidate anything that dares to pose a threat against his pride. If the lion had a different appearance it wouldn’t be able to hunt, blend in or protect their pride. Panthers use certain tactics and their appearance to help them hunt.
“Like other species of large feline, panthers are carnivores and tend to hunt more at night then during the day. The panthers rest in the shade during the day and will hunt at night. Being black can be an advantage here as they are well camouflaged in the dark” (“Panther”). Hunting at night gives the panther an advantage because most of their prey is asleep. “Top speed: 45km/h (30mph), lifestyle: solitary, special features: long and powerful legs and small paws” (“Panthers”). Being able to go 30 mph and having long powerful legs with small paws helps panthers catch their prey. “The diet of panthers, being a carnivore, consists mostly of large mammals, including deer but they also eat smaller animals including rabbits and birds” (“Facts about Panthers”). Having a variety of food helps make sure the panthers have food to eat without wiping out a species of prey. Panthers may hunt alone, but they have special features to help them
hunt. Lions hunt with their pride and have a large variety of food. “Lions differ from other cats by regularly hunting in groups” (“Lion Information”). When lions hunt in groups they have a better chance of catching their prey. “Most of the hunting is done by the females. When in a pride, the males take what food they want from the females. Cubs usually get what the adults leave. In time of food shortages starvation is their major causes of death” (“Lion Information”). Male lions have a better chance of defending their territory when they don’t have to worry about hunting. It’s just the cubs that have to worry about food. “Medium and large prey including: impala, Wilde beast, zebra, and gemsbok. Lions will also hunt larger species such as buffalo, giraffe, hippos and young elephants. If needed lions eat birds, reptiles, fish, and even insects, also smaller mammals down to the size of mice” (“Lion Information”). Because of this wide range of food, lions have a greater chance of surviving and not damaging their ecosystem by not over eating on species of prey. The way lions hunt and the large variety of food they have puts them on top of the food chain. Panthers have an unusual unique way to mate. “Female leopard reach sexual maturity around two years of age. They usually give birth to their first litter when they are about two-and-a-half years old. Males are capable of mating at about two years old. Young males usually have to wait for their chance to mate until three to four years because of competition from older and stronger males” (“Black Panther Animal Mating”). When female panthers give birth to cubs at a young age, they have a good chance of bringing more panthers into the population preventing them from going extinct. “When a female leopard is ready for mating she makes a sawing noise to attract a male partner. She also leaves scent markings for males to follow. Fighting can happen between males during the mating season. As soon as the mating is over, the male cat goes his own way. The male will take no part in raising the cubs” (“Black Panther Animal Mating”). The way the female acts when she wants to make lets the male know when and where she wants to mate. “Mating can take place at any time of the year. The gestation period is about 90-105 days. The mother leopard finds a secure birth den in a cave, thicket, rock pile, or hollow tree before delivery” (“Black Panther Animal Mating”). Because mating can take place at anytime of the year, panthers have a better chance of reproducing. What panthers do during mating season is interesting. Lions have an easy, simple way of mating. “Pride males don’t compete for available females as these females will mate with all of the males in turn as each loses interest in her. Pride females suckle one another’s cubs with no bias toward their own” (“Lion Information”). Because male lions don’t compete for females there are fewer fights, which mean there are fewer deaths. “Lions mate about four times an hour over two to three days!” (“Lion Information”). Thanks to the numerous times lions mate throughout the mating season the female lions has a better chance at getting pregnant. “Females give birth to litters of up to six cubs usually one to four” (“Lion Information”). The more cubs they give birth to, the bigger their pride will get. Lions have an easy non-violent way of mating. Lions and panthers are both felines, but have just about nothing in common. They are similar because they are part of the feline family. Their bone structure is similar but has some minor differences that help them in their habitat. They differ in the way they feed, breed, and they look nothing alike. Lions and panthers are very fun and interesting to learn about.

Works Cited
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