FOR AGES 3 YEARS TO 18 YEARS
At Kidadl we pride ourselves on offering families original ideas to make the most of time spent together at home or out and about, wherever you are in the world. We strive to recommend the very best things that are suggested by our community and are things we would do ourselves - our aim is to be the trusted friend to parents.
We try our very best, but cannot guarantee perfection. We will always aim to give you accurate information at the date of publication - however, information does change, so it’s important you do your own research, double-check and make the decision that is right for your family.
Kidadl provides inspiration to entertain and educate your children. We recognise that not all activities and ideas are appropriate and suitable for all children and families or in all circumstances. Our recommended activities are based on age but these are a guide. We recommend that these ideas are used as inspiration, that ideas are undertaken with appropriate adult supervision, and that each adult uses their own discretion and knowledge of their children to consider the safety and suitability.
Kidadl cannot accept liability for the execution of these ideas, and parental supervision is advised at all times, as safety is paramount. Anyone using the information provided by Kidadl does so at their own risk and we can not accept liability if things go wrong.
The Javan leopard (Panthera pardus melas) is a skillful panther, read on to know the significance of this wildlife predator. The Javan leopard is a Panthera species exclusively endemic to the island of Java in Indonesia.
It is believed that these wildlife animals made their way to Java from Middle Pleistocene about 800,000 years ago. These Asian tigers are scientifically known as Panthera pardus melas and the Javan leopard (Panthera pardus melas) has a varied coloration, according to the habitat they are residing in. These Asian leopards are significantly faster than any other leopards in wildlife. The majority of the species are native to Gunung Halimun in Java and their conservation status is sadly Critically Endangered. Some primary reasons for their population decline are conflicts with the human population in Java, excessive poaching, and loss of habitat.
Find out more about the Javan leopard, including their breeding practices and conservation efforts to save them here. For more, why not learn about the leopard cat and the clouded leopard too?
The Javan leopard (Panthera pardus) is a large wild cat. It is a leopard and is one of the four big cat species of the Felidae family.
The Javan leopard (Panthera pardus melas) is of the genus Panthera and is a mammal as it belongs to the class Mammalia.
Javan leopards of the Pardus species are critically endangered. It is estimated that there are less than 250 mature individuals in the wild. When the population fell to just 42 a few years ago, they were on the verge of extinction, just like the Javan tiger.
These leopards of Indonesia live in dry deciduous forests and tropical rainforests. They are found predominantly in Gunung Gede Pangrango National Park. Other than this, this species also inhabits Ceremai National Park, Ujung Kulon National Park, Merbabu National Park, Gunung Halimun National Park, Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park, Merapi National Park, Ijen Mountain, Meru Betiri National Park, and Alas Purwo National Park.
This wild species is endemic to the island of Java in Indonesia. They live among tall trees and occupy a compact stretch of tropical rainforests and scrublands and woodlands of deciduous forest lands.
The Javan leopard (Panthera pardus) is a solitary animal. It prefers to wander around alone and drift into the night alone in search of prey.
The average lifespan of Javan leopards is estimated to be 13 to 15 years in the wild, and the maximum a Javan leopard has ever lived is recorded as 20 years.
The Panthera pardus species does not have a particular breeding season, but after mating the female leopard's gestation period is estimated to last for 90 days. After this, a female will deliver two to three (or a maximum of four) cubs. These cubs are hidden by their mother in dense shrubs and vegetation for six to eight weeks, as they are highly vulnerable prey when they are so young.
These Javan leopards are classified as Critically Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Horticultural activities, poaching, habitat loss reducing their prey base, and human population expansion on the island of Java are all considered major threats to the existence of this Pardus species. The conflict between local people and wild leopards is also a considerable threat to the species conservation.
The leopards, in general, have long, slim bodies with short and sturdy legs. Javan leopards have small-sized bodies and their paws have sharp claws. The color of a leopard is related to the habitat they inhabit. Those in the savannah have an orange or yellow fur coat, and those found in deserts have lighter coats. Their fur coat has long gray hair in cold climates and a golden feather fur coat for those in tropical forests. The Javan leopard is found with a black fur coat with rosettes that look like solid rings towards its face and limbs. The eyes of these animals are silver-gray colored. These leopards have excellent vision and sharp listening skills.
*Please note that this is an image of a leopard, not a Javan leopard specifically. If you have a royalty-free image of a Javan leopard, please let us know at [email protected]
This Panthera pardus species is a group of aggressive, fast predators, so they are not exactly cute! Instead, you can describe them as powerful and vicious.
Being solitary animals, this subspecies of leopards do not display much social behavior. They mark their territory with scent and their vocal calls are harsh and grinding sounds that sound a little like sawing through thick wood. This wildlife species is stealthy and quiet for the majority of the time.
Javan leopards are relatively small-sized leopards. On average, their length and weight are two-thirds of those of normal leopards. They are between 39.8-63 in ( 100-160 cm) long.
The leopards are very swift animals. They manage to run at a speed of 36 mph (58 kph).
A Javan leopard usually weighs in the range of 110-154 lb (50-70 kg). Female leopards are usually smaller in size than males.
Male and female Javan leopards do not have specific names.
A baby Javan leopard is called a cub.
This leopard's prey base consists of deer, monkeys, and wild boars. When close to an urban population, these animals also prey on dogs, goats, and chickens. They attack their prey from the top of a tree. They hide in between branches and target animals resting in the middle of the tree. They attack the animal suddenly so that the shocked prey cannot escape. After killing the animal, a Javan leopard drags the food to its resident tree and hides it there from other predators. Javan leopards tend to hunt for their food during the night and are very fast at killing and eating their food.
Yes, they are fierce predators and they can even kill humans with their huge strength.
No, you cannot adopt a Javan leopard, it is too dangerous.
This Panthera pardus melas animal fears water, though other leopards are good swimmers. The Javan leopard does not attack any animal for food that is near water, but they do approach water bodies when thirsty. They don't like to put their paws in the water though and stand adjacent to the river on rocks instead, balancing with the support of their flexible body. Like other animals, they do not get into the water to clean themselves either. Instead, they roll on the ground to get rid of any dust on their surface.
Due to their clever hunting skill of attacking their prey from the heights of tall trees and then killing their prey by biting its neck, these Javan leopards have earned the name 'tiger boughs'.
These leopards are hunted and killed for their fur but leopards have predators in the wild too; they may be killed by lions, hyena packs, or painted dogs in Africa and by tigers in Asia.
As this subspecies is classified as Critically Endangered in IUCN red list, the local government has taken necessary steps to impose necessary laws to protect this wildlife species.
Yes, you can find these Javan leopards at Bali Safari Park in Bali, Indonesia.
These leopards are exquisite climbers. With their powerful legs and retractable claws, they climb up to the tall branches of a tree and often sleep here, draped over a branch. These leopards spend a significant portion of the day relaxing in the shadow of trees too and they attack their prey from the top of a tree.
Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly animal facts for everyone to discover! Learn more about some other mammals including the German Shepherd Pitbull mix and the Indian elephant.
You can even occupy yourself at home by drawing one on our Javan leopard coloring pages.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Javan_leopard
https://www.balisafarimarinepark.com/facts-about-javan-leopard/
Read The Disclaimer
At Kidadl we pride ourselves on offering families original ideas to make the most of time spent together at home or out and about, wherever you are in the world. We strive to recommend the very best things that are suggested by our community and are things we would do ourselves - our aim is to be the trusted friend to parents.
We try our very best, but cannot guarantee perfection. We will always aim to give you accurate information at the date of publication - however, information does change, so it’s important you do your own research, double-check and make the decision that is right for your family.
Kidadl provides inspiration to entertain and educate your children. We recognise that not all activities and ideas are appropriate and suitable for all children and families or in all circumstances. Our recommended activities are based on age but these are a guide. We recommend that these ideas are used as inspiration, that ideas are undertaken with appropriate adult supervision, and that each adult uses their own discretion and knowledge of their children to consider the safety and suitability.
Kidadl cannot accept liability for the execution of these ideas, and parental supervision is advised at all times, as safety is paramount. Anyone using the information provided by Kidadl does so at their own risk and we can not accept liability if things go wrong.
Kidadl is independent and to make our service free to you the reader we are supported by advertising.
We hope you love our recommendations for products and services! What we suggest is selected independently by the Kidadl team. If you purchase using the buy now button we may earn a small commission. This does not influence our choices. Please note: prices are correct and items are available at the time the article was published.
Kidadl has a number of affiliate partners that we work with including Amazon. Please note that Kidadl is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.
We also link to other websites, but are not responsible for their content.
Was this article helpful?
We’ll send you tons of inspiration to help you find a hidden gem in your local area or plan a big day out.
Check your inbox for your latest news from us. You have subscribed to:
Remember that you can always manage your preferences or unsubscribe through the link at the foot of each newsletter.