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Anatomy
The Amur leopard (Panthera pardus orientalis) is probably one of the rarest big cats in the world! Each individual spot, or rosette, acts as a fingerprint, no two leopards have the same! The rosettes are widely spread and are larger then those of other leopards. They are known to have a winter and summer wardrobe, with their fur reaching approximately 3 inches in length during the winter months. They use their remarkably long tail as a blanket during winter months to keep warm by wrapping it around themselves. Males generally weigh anywhere from 70-100 lbs, but can weigh as much as 165 lbs, females weighting at about 55-95 lbs. The Amur leopards have a life span is 10-15 years. This amazing cat can run up to speeds of 37 miles per hour, reaching their topflight speed in under 30 seconds, jump more then 19 feet horizontally and 10 feet vertically.
The Amur leopard is very similar to your everyday housecat, except they have a few more bones! This medium sized cat consists of 250 bones throughout its body. They have a very flexible spine, allowing for longer strides while running, spacing its legs much further apart then most cats, and a much longer tail (32-35in), which aids in balance.
The Amur leopard has a very muscular, but lean body structure. Compared to a human, this leopards muscles react to brain signals a lot quicker, and the muscles surrounding the arteries has to be very muscular to pump blood around the body faster. Their immense strength allows them to attack prey 10 times their own body weight.
Physiology
Nervous System
Nervous System
The Amur leopard's nervous system is located in the front of their head.
Cerebrum - the main portion of their brain, located in the front portion of the cranial cavity. It controls motor, sensory, and higher mental functions.
Cerebellum - The back portion of the brain. The cerebellum coordinates and regulates the leopard's muscular activity.
Medulla Oblongata - The base of the brain. This directly controls the leopards breathing, blood flow, and other essential functions.
Circulatory System
Circulatory System
The circulatory system of the Amur leopard has the same overall production as us humans, except the muscles around the arteries are much more muscular, and an enlarged heart. This is important, because the leopard runs the risk of starving the brain of oxygen while running. This allows the body to circulate oxygen carrying blood cells to get to the brain quickly
Respiratory System
Respiratory System
Along with an enlarged heart, the Amur leopard also has enlarged lungs, nostrils, and sinuses. This allows them to intake as much oxygen as possible. An Amur leopard in full stride, their respiratory rate can range from 60 to 150 breaths per minute.
Reproduction
Amur leopards are a very promiscuous cat! Both males and females have multiple mates. These leopards reach sexual maturity by 2.5 - 3 years of age, and breeding season usually begins in the second half of winter. The female Amur leopard has a gestation period of 12- 15 days. Three months after breeding 1-5 cubs are born weighing 1-1.5 pounds at birth. Cubs are born blind and helpless. Around day 5-7, the cubs can see clearly. The babies will nurse the mother's milk until about 8 weeks, when the mother starts feeding them meat. Cubs will stay with their mother until the next breeding season, around 12-18 months of age, but won't part with its siblings until the end of the winter. Usually, males don't tend to stay around for the offspring. The Amur leopard lives around 12-15 years in the wild and can live up to 20 in captivity.
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