essay on black panther animal

Black Panther

Table of Contents

The term “ black panther ” conjures images of a mysterious and majestic creature that has captured the human imagination for centuries. Yet, the black panther is not a distinct species of big cat but rather a term used to describe melanistic individuals of various big cat species, most commonly the jaguar and the leopard. In this article, we will delve into the world of the black panther, exploring its habitat, characteristics, behavior, and the cultural significance it holds across different regions of the world.

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The Black Panther: Taxonomy and Distribution

Melanistic leopards.

The black panther is most commonly associated with the melanistic variant of the leopard (Panthera pardus). Melanism is a genetic condition that results in an overproduction of dark pigment, causing the normally spotted coat of the leopard to appear black. Melanistic leopards are often found in parts of Africa and Southeast Asia, including countries like India, Malaysia, and Indonesia.

Melanistic Jaguars

Melanistic jaguars (Panthera onca ) are another commonly recognized form of black panther. These large cats are native to the Americas, primarily inhabiting rainforests, swamps, and grasslands from the southern United States to Argentina. They are known for their powerful build and distinctive rosette patterns that are still visible, albeit faintly, on their dark fur.

The Black Panther: Physical Characteristics

The defining feature of the black panther is its dark, almost entirely black coat. The fur may appear to be solid black, but upon close inspection, you can often discern the hidden rosette patterns typical of their non-melanistic counterparts. The black fur provides them with excellent camouflage in the low light conditions of their habitats, making them elusive and stealthy predators.

Size and Build

Black panthers, whether they are leopards or jaguars, are large and robust cats. Sexual dimorphism is present, with males often being larger than females. Male leopards can weigh between 100 to 200 pounds and measure up to 7 feet in length, including the tail, while jaguars are slightly heavier, with males weighing up to 250 pounds. Their powerful build and sharp claws make them formidable hunters.

Eyes and Senses

Black panthers have striking golden or greenish-yellow eyes that contrast beautifully with their dark fur. These eyesight and keen senses of hearing and smell are crucial for their survival as stealthy predators. Their eyes are adapted for low light conditions, allowing them to hunt effectively during dawn and dusk.

The Black Panther: Habitat and Range

Melanistic leopards are primarily found in regions of Africa and Southeast Asia, where they inhabit a wide range of ecosystems, from dense rainforests to arid savannas. They are remarkably adaptable, and capable of thriving in diverse environments.

Melanistic jaguars are native to the Americas and are particularly associated with the Amazon rainforest. They are known for their love of water and are often found near rivers and swamps. However, their habitat is increasingly threatened by deforestation and habitat destruction.

The Black Panther: Behavior and Diet

Solitary predators.

Both melanistic leopards and jaguars are solitary animals. They are territorial and mark their territory with scent markings and vocalizations. Males have larger territories than females and may overlap with several females’ territories.

Hunting and Diet

Black panthers are apex predators in their respective ecosystems, and their stealth and strength make them highly successful hunters. They prey on a wide variety of animals, including deer, wild boar, monkeys, and smaller mammals. They are also known to take on larger prey like ungulates when the opportunity arises. Jaguars are particularly adept at hunting in the water, where they can catch fish, turtles, and caimans.

Reproduction

Female black panthers give birth to a litter of one to four cubs after a gestation period of about three and a half months. The cubs are born with their eyes closed and are entirely dependent on their mother for the first few months of their lives. Cubs begin to learn to hunt and develop their independence at around six months of age.

The Black Panther: Conservation Status

The conservation status of melanistic leopards is tied to the overall status of leopards as a species. Leopards are classified as “ Vulnerable ” on the IUCN Red List due to habitat loss, poaching, and conflicts with humans. The survival of melanistic leopards depends on the protection of their habitats and the conservation of the species as a whole.

Melanistic jaguars face similar conservation challenges as their spotted counterparts. Jaguars are listed as “ Near Threatened ” by the IUCN, primarily due to habitat destruction, human-wildlife conflicts, and poaching. Protecting the jaguar’s habitat, especially in the Amazon rainforest, is critical for the survival of melanistic jaguars.

The Black Panther: Cultural Significance

Mythology and folklore.

Black panthers have long been woven into the fabric of human culture and mythology. In many indigenous cultures, they are revered as powerful and mystical creatures. For example, in some Native American folklore, the jaguar is considered a protector and a symbol of strength and courage.

Modern Symbols

The image of the black panther has been adopted by various groups and organizations as a symbol of strength and resilience. The Black Panther Party, a prominent civil rights organization in the United States during the 1960s and 1970s, is one such example. The black panther has also found its way into popular culture, appearing in literature, films, and comic books, most notably in the Marvel Comics character “Black Panther.”

The Black Panther: Conservation Efforts

Protected areas.

Conservation organizations and governments are working to establish and maintain protected areas for the preservation of black panther habitats. National parks and reserves are essential in safeguarding these majestic creatures and the biodiversity of their ecosystems.

Anti-Poaching Measures

Efforts to combat poaching are crucial for the survival of black panthers. Many poachers target these animals for their fur and body parts, which are in demand in the illegal wildlife trade. Anti-poaching units and stricter enforcement of wildlife protection laws are essential for their conservation.

Habitat Restoration

Restoring and protecting the natural habitats of black panthers, such as the Amazon rainforest, is vital for their long-term survival. Reforestation and habitat restoration projects can help ensure a sustainable future for these remarkable big cats.

The Black Panther: Threats and Challenges

Habitat loss.

One of the most significant threats to black panthers, like other big cat species, is habitat loss. Human activities, including deforestation, agriculture, and urban development, have encroached upon their natural habitats, reducing the available space for these animals to roam and hunt. As a result, they often come into conflict with humans, which can lead to negative consequences for both people and panthers.

Human-Wildlife Conflict

As human populations expand and encroach further into the territories of black panthers, conflicts can arise. These cats could prey on animals, prompting farmers to kill them in retaliation. Such conflicts not only harm the panther populations but also create tensions between conservation efforts and local communities.

Poaching and Illegal Trade

Poaching for their fur, bones, and other body parts remains a serious threat to black panthers. The illegal trade in wildlife products, often driven by demand in traditional medicine and the black market, places these magnificent creatures at risk. Strengthened law enforcement and international cooperation are necessary to combat this trade effectively.

Climate Change

Climate change presents an indirect threat to black panther populations. Altered weather patterns, extreme weather events, and shifts in prey availability can disrupt the delicate balance of ecosystems, affecting the survival of these apex predators.

Captive Breeding and Rehabilitation

In some regions, efforts are being made to rescue and rehabilitate black panthers that have been orphaned or injured due to various reasons, including human-wildlife conflicts. These animals are sometimes reintroduced into the wild after rehabilitation to bolster local populations.

Community-Based Conservation

Engaging local communities in conservation efforts is crucial for the long-term survival of black panthers. Initiatives that empower and educate people living near panther habitats about the importance of these animals and their conservation can help reduce conflicts and gain local support.

Research and Monitoring

Scientists and conservation organizations conduct ongoing research to understand the behavior, ecology, and genetics of black panthers. This information is vital for implementing effective conservation strategies and monitoring the health and status of these populations.

Legal Protections

National and international laws protect black panthers to varying degrees. For example, both leopards and jaguars are listed under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) , which regulates the international trade of their parts. Strict enforcement of these legal protections is essential to deter poaching and trade.

The Future of Black Panthers

The future of black panthers remains uncertain. While they continue to thrive in some regions, their populations are under threat in many areas due to habitat loss, poaching, and human-wildlife conflicts. The conservation of these majestic creatures requires a multi-faceted approach that combines habitat protection, anti-poaching measures, and community involvement.

Efforts to preserve black panther populations must also consider the broader context of preserving the ecosystems they inhabit. As apex predators, they play a vital role in maintaining the health and balance of these ecosystems, making their conservation critical for overall biodiversity.

In conclusion, the black panther, with its alluring dark beauty and mysterious aura, symbolizes the resilience of nature in the face of human-induced challenges. These magnificent creatures are a testament to the wonders of the natural world, and their survival is not only a conservation priority but a shared responsibility. To ensure that future generations can continue to be inspired by the black panther, we must work together to protect their habitats, reduce conflicts, and combat the illegal trade that threatens their existence. In doing so, we contribute to the preservation of one of the world’s most iconic and enigmatic big cats.

FAQs on Black Panther

What is a black panther, and how does it differ from other big cats.

A black panther is not a distinct species but rather a melanistic variant of big cats, most commonly leopards and jaguars. Melanism results in a black coat with faint rosette patterns. While the term 'panther' is often used to describe them, they are still members of the leopard and jaguar species

Where can black panthers be found in the wild?

Black panthers, both melanistic leopards and jaguars, are primarily found in specific regions around the world. Melanistic leopards are commonly found in Africa and Southeast Asia, including India, Malaysia, and Indonesia. Melanistic jaguars are native to the Americas, particularly in the Amazon rainforest, from the southern United States to Argentina.

Are black panthers dangerous to humans?

Black panthers, like their non-melanistic counterparts, are apex predators. While they are generally solitary and elusive, they are powerful carnivores and can pose a threat to humans if cornered or provoked. Human-wildlife conflict is a concern in areas where their habitats overlap with human settlements.

What is the conservation status of black panthers, and how can they be protected?

The conservation status of black panthers depends on the status of leopards and jaguars as a species. Leopards are classified as 'Vulnerable' on the IUCN Red List, while jaguars are listed as 'Near Threatened.' Protecting their habitats, implementing anti-poaching measures, involving local communities in conservation efforts, and enforcing wildlife protection laws are crucial for their preservation.

What role do black panthers play in their ecosystems?

Black panthers, as apex predators, play a vital role in maintaining the health and balance of their ecosystems. By controlling prey populations and influencing prey behavior, they help regulate the entire food web. Their conservation is not only essential for their own species but also for the overall biodiversity and ecological stability of the regions they inhabit.

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Animal encyclopedia

The majestic black panther: a look at the iconic big cat.

September 4, 2023

John Brooks

September 4, 2023 / Reading time: 5 minutes

Sophie Hodgson

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Table of Contents

The black panther is an iconic big cat that has captivated the human imagination for centuries. This majestic feline, with its sleek black coat and piercing yellow eyes, is often associated with mystery, power, and grace. In this article, we will delve deep into the world of black panthers, exploring their history, biology, behavior, and conservation status.

Understanding the Black Panther: Beyond the Myth

Black panthers are often shrouded in a veil of myth and misconception. Contrary to popular belief, the black panther is not a separate species, but rather a melanistic variant of other big cat species, most commonly the leopard in Asia and the jaguars in America.

These melanistic individuals possess a genetic mutation that results in an excessive production of dark pigment, known as melanin, which gives them their distinct black coat. Underneath their dark facade, black panthers still retain the patterns and markings of their non-melanistic counterparts.

Black panthers are truly captivating creatures. Their sleek and powerful bodies allow them to move with grace and agility through their natural habitats. With their sharp claws and strong jaws , they are formidable hunters, capable of taking down prey much larger than themselves. Their keen senses, including exceptional night vision, make them highly efficient hunters , able to navigate through the darkness with ease .

Despite their striking appearance, black panthers are not commonly seen in the wild. Their black coats provide them with excellent camouflage, allowing them to blend seamlessly into the dense vegetation of their habitats. This stealthy nature makes them elusive and mysterious, adding to their allure.

The Black Panther in Popular Culture

The black panther has left a lasting mark on popular culture, appearing in numerous films, books, and artworks. Marvel’s Black Panther, for instance, brought this enigmatic creature to the forefront of mainstream media, showcasing its strength, intelligence, and agility.

However, it’s important to separate fact from fiction. While black panthers are indeed formidable animals, they are not supernatural beings or mythological creatures. The reality of black panthers is just as fascinating as the stories surrounding them.

Throughout history, black panthers have been revered and feared by different cultures around the world. In some African traditions, the black panther is seen as a symbol of power and protection. It is believed that the presence of a black panther brings good luck and wards off evil spirits.

In the realm of art, black panthers have been depicted in various forms. Paintings and sculptures often capture their majestic beauty and mysterious aura. Their dark coats, contrasted against vibrant backgrounds, create a sense of intrigue and allure.

Black panthers have also made their mark in literature, with authors drawing inspiration from their enigmatic nature. Their stealth and prowess have been woven into thrilling tales of adventure and survival. These stories not only entertain readers but also shed light on the fascinating behaviors and characteristics of these magnificent creatures.

While black panthers may continue to be surrounded by myth and mystery, it is important to appreciate them for what they truly are – remarkable animals that have adapted to their environments in extraordinary ways . By understanding the truth behind the black panther, we can deepen our appreciation for these incredible creatures and work towards their conservation and protection.

The Habitat and Distribution of Black Panthers

Black panthers have a wide geographical range and can be found in various habitats across different continents. In Asia, they are predominantly the melanistic leopards, thriving in dense forests, rainforests, and even mountainous regions.

In the Americas, the black panthers are primarily represented by melanistic jaguars, residing in diverse ecosystems like tropical rainforests, wetlands, and grasslands.

Black Panthers in Asia: The Leopards

Asian black panthers, also known as black leopards, are highly adaptable and occupy a vast range that spans from the rainforests of Southeast Asia to the rugged slopes of the Himalayas. These stealthy predators are known for their ability to thrive in both heavily forested areas and open grasslands.

Black Panthers in America: The Jaguars

On the other hand, American black panthers, or black jaguars, roam across the dense rainforests of Central and South America. These powerful cats are capable swimmers and are often found near water bodies such as rivers and swamps.

The Physical Characteristics of Black Panthers

One cannot help but marvel at the striking appearance of black panthers. Their glossy, jet-black coats are a result of melanism, the genetic condition responsible for their dark pigmentation. However, underneath their mysterious exterior lies a fascinating world of diversity.

The Unique Black Coat: A Result of Melanism

Melanism, the excessive production of melanin, is what gives black panthers their distinctive coloration . This prominently darker pigmentation allows them to blend effortlessly into their surroundings, enhancing their stealth and hunting abilities.

While the glossy black coat is the hallmark of black panthers, there are occasional variations. Some individuals may exhibit visible spots or rosettes, which become more apparent under certain lighting conditions.

Size, Weight, and Lifespan of Black Panthers

Black panthers, like their non-melanistic counterparts, display significant variation in size depending on their species and geographic location. On average, adult black panthers can weigh between 100 to 250 pounds (45 to 113 kilograms) and measure 5 to 7 feet (1.5 to 2.1 meters) in length, excluding their tail.

As for their lifespan, black panthers can live up to 12 years or more in the wild. However, they face numerous challenges, including habitat loss and human-wildlife conflicts, which can affect their longevity.

The Behavior and Lifestyle of Black Panthers

Beneath their mysterious allure, black panthers exhibit fascinating behaviors and possess intricate social structures. To understand these enigmatic creatures better, we must delve into their hunting techniques, diet, social interactions, and mating habits.

Hunting Techniques and Diet

Black panthers are expert hunters, showcasing a wide range of hunting techniques to secure their meals. Their exceptional stealth and agility allow them to stalk and ambush their prey, often relying on their acute senses to detect any signs of weakness or vulnerability.

As opportunistic carnivores, black panthers have a varied diet that includes small to medium-sized mammals such as deer, monkeys, boars, and rodents. Their ability to adapt their diet plays a crucial role in their survival, especially in regions with fluctuating prey populations.

Social Structure and Mating Habits

Black panthers are largely solitary creatures, with males and females coming together only for mating purposes. Males utilize scent markings and vocalizations to communicate their presence and establish their territories.

Females typically give birth to one to four cubs, who remain dependent on their mother for about one to two years before venturing out on their own. The bond between a mother and her cubs is strong, as she provides them with protection, guidance, and essential hunting skills.

The Conservation Status of Black Panthers

While black panthers have enchanted many with their beauty and mystique, their survival is under threat. Habitat loss, poaching, and conflicts with humans pose significant challenges to their existence.

Threats to the Black Panther Population

Deforestation and habitat fragmentation are major obstacles for black panthers. As forests are cleared for agriculture or urban development, their natural habitats shrink, leaving them vulnerable to predation, scarcity of prey, and increased human-wildlife interactions.

Poaching also poses a severe threat to black panthers, driven by the illegal wildlife trade. Their striking appearance makes them desirable targets, with their body parts and pelts being sought-after commodities in some markets.

Efforts to Protect and Preserve Black Panthers

Conservation organizations and governmental bodies have recognized the urgent need to protect black panthers and conserve their habitats. Conservation programs aim to reduce human-animal conflicts, promote sustainable development, and enforce stricter regulations against poaching and illegal wildlife trade.

Additionally, raising awareness about the importance of black panthers in ecosystems and their intrinsic value in cultural heritage can also play a crucial role in their preservation.

In Conclusion

The black panther is a truly iconic big cat that continues to captivate our imagination. Understanding the truth behind the myth is key to appreciating the beauty and significance of these creatures.

By shedding light on their biology, behavior, and conservation needs, we can ensure that the black panther’s majestic presence remains a part of our world for generations to come.

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The Symbolism of Black Panther

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• How the Afrofuturism behind Black Panther and Get Out combines social justice and sci-fi

Afrofuturist ideas are at the core of both films.

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In the fictional African nation of Wakanda, beads made of “vibranium” heal bullet wounds, and a bulletproof suit absorbs and stores the energy of hostile blows. Levitating trains cruise past vaulting skyscrapers with thatched roofs, as saucer-shaped aircraft carve arcs in the sky.

Wakanda, a fantasy nation that serves as the setting for much of Black Panther, is a vision of an African nation that’s not only unencumbered with a history of colonialism but by a great margin the most technologically advanced country in the world.

The blockbuster superhero film has broken box office records and is predicted to rank in the top-10 grossing superhero releases ever in North America. Black Panther also brings into the spotlight Afrofuturism, which draws on fantastical elements to explore both the history of the African diaspora and imagines a technologically advanced, alternative universe. Jordan Peele’s Get Out , nominated for Best Picture and three other Oscars, also gives a nod to Afrofuturism through a plot in which white people use advanced medical procedures to turn black people into automatons.

For a better understanding of the cultural significance of Afrofuturism (and Black Panther) , I spoke with John Jennings, a professor in the media and cultural studies department at the University of California Riverside and co-founder of the Black Comic Book Festival in Harlem. Jennings teaches a course on Afrofuturism , leaning heavily on Get Out .

Jennings, who grew up in Mississippi, was “blown away” by the film.

Our conversation has been condensed and edited for clarity.

The term “Afrofuturism,” according to the author Carvell Wallace, writing in the New York Times magazine , “isn’t just the idea that black people will exist in the future, will use technology and science, will travel deep into space. It is the idea that we will have won the future.” How do you define it?

John Jennings

Afrofuturism, to me, is looking to the past, trying to examine it, and try to deal with an unresolved task around race and identity in this country, in the diaspora. It’s also looking to the future. Both of these sides are wrestling. Black Panther is dealing with the now. You can say Afrofuturism is science fiction, but the setting of Black Panther is current day. It’s a parallel universe of: What if slavery didn’t happen?

It’s a mainstream term for this latest iteration of black speculative culture. Afrofuturism was coined in 1993 by cultural theorist Mark Dery [in an essay called Black to the Future , part of a collection Flame Wars: The Discourse of Cyberculture ] to describe the trends of science fiction production and other modes of Afrocentric techno-culture that were being afforded via the burgeoning growth of the World Wide Web.

Since then, it has grown into a unifying mode of cultural production that has seen a huge resurgence in the past 10 years and, yes, Black Panther is a prime example of that renewed interest.

How does the genre intersect with social justice?

The future for black people in America was supposed to be connected to only three spaces: one, the hold of a slave ship; two, the plantation; and three, the grave. The construction of a space of agency, joy, and true freedom has always been the central focus of black speculative culture. As exciting as Black Panther himself is, his light can never be brighter of the idea of Wakanda.

The notion of a black future in our country is still a radical political idea.

In Black Panther , Wakanda appears to be all black. But in the film, other parts of the world, like Los Angeles, experience racial violence. Is part of Wakanda’s success due to the fact that there isn’t any racial strife since the country is homogenous?

Wakanda’s success is due to the fact that it is an unconquered, uncolonized African nation. What happens when that’s allowed to transpire? Other countries, like Ethiopia, have not been conquered directly by European forces — so we do have models.

I also wonder what it means about black spaces that are forced through segregation. After Reconstruction, black towns would pop up because black people were not allowed to mix, not allowed to be part of society. The black towns flourished in the 1920s and then were destroyed by racist mobs.

There was the black Wall Street massacre — the destruction of one of America’s wealthiest black neighborhoods in Tulsa, Oklahoma, in 1921. These spaces that are either self-created, to protect borders or resources, or forced to segregated, can flourish because they’re just dealing with themselves, to a certain degree.

There is something to be said about sovereignty and space. Across the world, race and space will always play off each other, they’re indexes of each other.

The Black Panther character predates the political party of the same name . But are the two related? At one point when the Black Panther party was gaining momentum, the character was briefly renamed “Black Leopard.”

Yes, the character predates the party by three months or so. The character was originally going to be called “Coal Tiger.” So it was coincidental that it shared the same name as the political party.

But in the film, they’re not unrelated. Coogler is from the Bay Area, where the Black Panther party was created, and he imprints some of the party ideologies into the film in subtle ways. For instance, the nature of how Wakanda fights is about defense. And the party was originally the “Black Panther Party for Self-Defense.”

The Black Panther as an animal in the wild does not ever attack directly. But it does defend when it is attacked. If we want peace, and you come at us, we will defend ourselves. That’s referenced in the film. Wakanda is a peaceful nation, but it will defend itself.

There’s artwork in the film by Emory Douglas, who created artwork for the Black Panthers. So Coogler is making a direct connection between some of the radicalized politics around defense of the black body in the ’60s.

I sympathized with Erik Killmonger, the supervillain in Black Panther . His father was from Wakanda, but — for complicated reasons — he was born and grew up in LA. He never really felt like he belonged anywhere. His anger and isolation compel him to return to Wakanda to enact revenge.

He’s an index for African Americans. Every one of us goes to search back and find where our ancestors come from. I just did that. Being from Mississippi, I wondered what part of Africa my descendants were stolen from. (I am mostly West African, but 39 percent European.)

With Killmonger, his voice is the pan-African voice of “Where do I come from?” His body has become a battleground for these tropes. He’s angry and disrupted because of the loss of his heritage. It’s why black Americans say to those in Africa, “Why didn’t you come and find us? Why didn’t you reach out to us? You knew we were over here. Why do you treat us this way?” It’s about not having a space to call your own.

You’ve said the recent uptick in horror films can be attributed to tumultuous events in history — like World War II, 9/11, and, recently, the election of Donald Trump. Could the appeal of Afrofuturism in Black Panther also be linked to current events?

There’s a tension between what you’re told you are and who you know yourself to be. People who were descended from slaves are not immigrants. Your culture, your language, your storytelling — everything is taken from you. You have to figure out a way to negotiate that thing, and Afrofuturism gives us a space for negotiation. Between the unresolved past and the impending, potentially bright, future.

You teach a course on Afrofuturism using the film Get Out . Get Out ends on a fake-out: You think that the protagonist Chris Washington is going to get arrested by the police for the murder of a white character who tried to kill him — but he ends up being fine. But what if Get Out had ended with the police arresting Chris? Does Afrofuturism always have a happy ending?

It’s funny that you mention that — they did shoot that ending. In the director’s cut of Get Out , there’s a version where Washington, [the protagonist, played by Daniel Kaluuya], goes to jail. He strangles [his girlfriend] Rose until she dies. The reason [the director doesn’t choose this ending], of course, is because then Washington becomes what they say he is — the animalistic brute.

I don’t think Afrofuturist stories always have a happy ending. They’re a mode of storytelling that helps us work through issues around race and the technologies of race. Does any story have to have a happy ending? Just because the word “future” is part of “Afrofuturism” doesn’t mean that black people have any notions that the future won’t have bad things occurring. I think that “happy” is very subjective — it’s a joyous notion that an Afrocentricstory even exists at all.

In Morgan Jerkins’s new collection, This Will Be My Undoing , she makes a compelling case that narratives about black Americans don’t often show a full range of humanity. For instance, slaves are universally depicted as passive victims — we hardly ever think of them as laughing. How does Black Panther challenge assumptions about race?

The interiority of those slave narratives — she’s absolutely right. One of the narratives of the slave body is [that they are not human]. That’s what made a Christian nation even capable of having slaves. They abstracted the body, pulled the soul out of the body. “This is a beast, this isn’t a person.” “I need to help this thing.”

It’s very complex, the way we have constructed the ideas, visually, around race. At the end of the day, we’re just talking about a certain amount of melanin in one’s skin.

The women in Black Panther — those beautiful, beautiful, dark-skinned black women — that particular spectrum of beauty is something that’s [not universally accepted] in Africa, in India, in China. People are bleaching their skin to become whiter. It’s very telling that the first millionaire who was a black woman made her money from hair straightening products.

In Black Panther , the optics alone are groundbreaking. This is the kind of stuff we need to fight against on a day-to-day basis.

Hope Reese is a journalist in Louisville, Kentucky. Her writing has appeared in the Atlantic, the Boston Globe, the Chicago Tribune, Playboy, Vox, and other publications. Find her on Twitter @hope_reese .

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Black Panther

The new Black Panther movie is coming in November. But you can meet the REAL black panther right now!

Watching you with its yellow eyes, this black panther is beautiful, mysterious, and just as cool as any movie character. And, like many superheroes, it also has a secret identity.

But to understand that, there’s something you need to know: There really isn’t a species of wild cat called the black panther.

It’s true. The name “black panther” is given to several kinds of wild cats when they are born with black coats—though most often, a black “panther” is a dark-colored leopard or jaguar. The secret identity of the black panther here? A leopard!

Now you’re probably wondering why some leopards and jaguars are black and others aren’t. All animals make stuff in their bodies called melanin (MEL-uhnin). Melanin gives dark coloring to skin, hair, feathers, and other body parts. Sometimes, an animal’s body makes more melanin than the bodies of others do.That makes the animal black, or melanistic (mel-uh-NIS-tik). Only about 10 percent of all leopards and jaguars are black panthers—these special cats are rare!

Pounce over to the next page to learn more.

JAGUAR OR LEOPARD?

Like all jaguars, the black ones live in Central and South America and Mexico. Leopards live in Africa and Asia. Though black leopards and jaguars look as if they were solid black, they do actually have spots called rosettes that are very hard to see. But if the sun hits a black panther’s fur in the right way, they show up. These strong, graceful cats are fast runners. They’re also good swimmers, though jaguars spend more time in the water than leopards do. And both can climb trees, but leopards hang out in trees more than jaguars like to. Leopards have extra-long tails, which help the cats balance as they climb around in trees.

ON THE HUNT

As you might guess, leopards and jaguars are fierce predators. Of the two, jaguars are heavier and more powerful. Their big jaws give them the strongest bite of any cat. Since these two cats live in different parts of the world, they prey on different animals. Jaguars eat animals such as turtles, snakes, and alligator-like reptiles called caimans (KAY-muhns). Leopards eat almost anything they can catch, including gazelles and other antelopes, birds, and even fish. They’ll often haul their catch up into a tree to keep it away from larger predators, such as lions.

PANTHER PARENTS

Like other leopards and jaguars, black panthers live alone, defending their territories against other leopards and jaguars. But there is a time when they hang out together, and that’s mating time.

A female black panther usually has two to four cubs at a time. The cubs may be black, or they may be golden. (Likewise, black panther cubs may be born to golden parents.)

The cubs are blind for the first two weeks of their lives. But they grow quickly, and when they are just two or three months old, they begin going on hunting trips with their mom. They’ll stay with her for up to two years, learning important wild cat lessons. Then it’s time for them to strike out on their own.

And their mom? She’ll go back to prowling alone—the mysterious, majestic black panther way.

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Africa’s Black Panthers Emerge From the Shadows

By Iliana Magra

• Feb. 13, 2019

It’s a scientific coup to warm the heart of any superhero fan: A rare documented sighting of a black panther in Africa, not far from where Marvel places the fictional setting of its Oscar-nominated “ Black Panther .”

A team from the Institute for Conservation Research of the San Diego Zoo Global and the Loisaba Conservancy in Kenya confirmed the existence of black leopards — as the animals are also known — in Laikipia County, an area north of Nairobi, Kenya’s capital.

“It is certain black panthers have been there all along, but good footage that could confirm it has always been absent until now,” Nicholas Pilfold, a biologist at the San Diego institute, said in an Instagram post on Tuesday.

“Black panthers are uncommon, only about 11 percent of leopards globally are black,” he added. “But black panthers in Africa are extremely rare.”

The researchers’ findings were published in the African Journal of Ecology in January.

The leopard, scientific name Panthera pardus, is more commonly found with a black coat in tropical and humid Southeast Asia. But, apparently, melanism — the cause of the dark coloring — can also be displayed in semiarid climates, like that of Laikipia, according to the paper.

There have been a few reported observations of this subspecies in Africa, but, until now, only one had been confirmed, in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, in 1909.

Following unconfirmed reports of a black leopard in Laikipia County, the research team installed eight cameras around the Laikipia Wilderness Camp — focusing on available water sources, such as swimming pools and natural springs, and on animal trails.

From February to April 2018, five of the cameras recorded footage of a young female black leopard. She appeared alone in four nighttime videos — drinking water from artificial water sources or carrying remains of her prey — but in the only daytime video, she was following an adult female leopard with normal markings.

“Unconfirmed observations from September 2017 from the two leopards together suggest that this nonmelanistic female might be the mother of the black leopard,” according to the paper, which added that in previous sightings, the black leopard was “smaller in size, and in closer proximity to her mother.”

Word of the camera observations brought forth another high-quality image of a black leopard from the Ol Ari Nyiro Conservancy, also in Laikipia, which was taken in May 2007.

“Collectively, these images are the first reported in nearly 100 years that confirm the existence of black leopard in Africa, and the first in Kenya,” the paper said.

The dark coloration of the melanistic leopards’ coat is attributed to a recessive gene that causes the loss of the normal function. Despite being called black, they are usually very dark brown and have the same pattern of spots as other leopards, according to the Out of Africa Park in Arizona, which hosts two black leopards, named Enoch and Silhouette.

But there are also theories suggesting that melanism could have an environmental factor.

“Melanism is hypothesized to be an adaptation to environments in which a dark coloration provides camouflage from predators or prey,” Dr. Pilfold said in the paper.

Until recently, leopards — reclusive, adaptable, and territorial — were considered to exist in relative abundance.

But a study published in May 2016 suggested that leopards had lost 75 percent of their range since 1750. They were then classified as “vulnerable” on the Red List of threatened species of the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

Three subspecies of the leopard are classified as “critically endangered,” and two others as “endangered.”

“I think the biggest threat to the leopard on a global scale is that it’s been just under the radar,” Philipp Henschel, the lion program survey coordinator for Panthera, a global wild cat conservation organization, told The New York Times in 2016 .

“Nobody really cared about the leopard,” he said, “because everybody assumed they were really abundant and widespread.”

An earlier version of this article referred incorrectly to black panthers. They are not a distinct species, but a melanistic color variant of the African leopard subspecies.

How we handle corrections

Follow Iliana Magra on Twitter: @Magraki .

The Film “Black Panther” Analysis Research Paper

Introduction, impact on the society, women power, works cited.

Black Panther is a Marvel Studio film; the scene is laid in the fictional African state of Wakanda, a technological utopia hidden from the rest of the world. The movie shows Africa, which was not touched by the colonialists. Black Panther is wildly based on the emphasis of African culture and beautifully expressed throughout the whole film; it focuses on costumes, make-up, and language. Moreover, the film and distribution of a motion picture allow the audience to consider such important issues as diversity and range, the importance of social media, and its impact on society, and women’s power. Overall, the film Black Panther celebrates the African Culture and the Black community.

The film presents deep insights and critical social issues; Black Panther reveals many important social problems, including racial discrimination, and questions about what is more important: duty or to protect what you love. There is the opposition between the old and the new world (Mcintyre). Authentic culture collides with technology and modern realities, somewhere complementing each other and, at the same time, causing misunderstandings and problems.

In almost all colors and patterns in the film, the audience can see the reflection of the cultures of various African tribes (Chutel). It encourages the younger generation to know about cultures and how to respect and embrace them. This is a new way to show that Africa has a voice and a highly recognizable culture (Long). Thus, it gives opportunities, confidence, and courage to the other African people living under the shadows to be proud of their culture, countries, and themselves.

For the film, its creators created the gesture Wakanda salute, shown as arms crossed on the chest. It is used according to the plot as a greeting in the protagonist’s homeland (Gander). However, after the release of Black Panther , the fictional greeting gained such widespread popularity that it even became a new symbol of solidarity and the movement supporting black rights (Gander). Furthermore, the film Black Panther has affected fashion; elements of African culture have inspired designers to create clothes. This resulted in a show as part of New York Fashion Week, where designers of the brands Cushnie et Ochs, Ikiré Jones, Tome, Sophie Theallet, Fear of God, Chromat, and Laquan Smith presented a themed collection inspired by images from the film (Maloney). Therefore, the movie inspired fashion, music, and popular culture, which became an overnight sensation.

The movie shows strong feminist characters; T’Challa has his own army called Dora Milaje, composed entirely of women. From century to century, they guard all members of the family of the king of Wakanda. Moreover, Wakanda is also a country of victorious feminism, in which women play no less important roles than men. T’Challa’s sister Princess Shuri (Letitia Wright) is engaged in the technological development of Wakanda (Lee). The power of the female character is also presented by Black Panther’s beloved Nakia, played by Lupita Nyong’o, and the leader of the royal female protection squad Okoye (Danai Gurira) (Lee). The female characters, albeit not the main ones, clearly demonstrate a powerful and positive image.

The women are shown as strong and loyal; they stick together and fight together. It is worth highlighting the inventive and cheerful sister of TʼChalla Shuri, who slightly dilutes the general seriousness and pretentiousness with her jokes. Shuri carries a critical semantic load; she supports Black Panther, placing on her fragile shoulders the burden men usually carry. Moreover, Okoye embodies concepts such as honor, duty, and loyalty. According to Lee, the film eliminates sexist prejudices; women’s personalities and skills attract attention first instead of their sex appeal. For instance, their qualities are shown through effective battle strategies and saving the life of T’Challa (Lee).

The film emphasizes that women play a crucial role in protecting the nation, not needing to be rescued by males. The movie focuses on the idea that women can be powerful without men or regardless of their skin color. Strength comes from within and not the outer appearance.

The relationship between Nakia and T’Challa also focuses on the character’s missions. Nakia fights for oppressed people, planning to resume her activity after the T’Challa ceremony; there is the mutual respect in their relationship. They are role models to many women throughout the world, teaching women to be strong and confident. It also inspires young black women to achieve their ambitions and goals. Thus, the movie demonstrates that women can follow their passion and determine their life themselves.

The movie Black Panther has become one of the most successful films in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and the film’s box office worldwide has exceeded billion dollars. The influence of the film extends both to the film industry and beyond. In the case of Black Panther, this story can encourage people to study the history of the African continent. For a long time, Africa has existed in Western culture as a myth, a tale of a wild and untamed continent. People do not imagine a technologically advanced Africa as the Western world for centuries considered this continent backward and primitive, a place where there is nothing but resources for mining.

The idea of ​​African heritage and its return and reinterpretation is vital to African Americans. The ideas embodied in the film appeal to the inhabitants of Africa and the Americans of African descent, who feel their connection with the continent, but were cut off from their traditions several hundred years ago. Thus, the film Black Panther glorifies the African Culture and the Black community. By changing the future of Africa, it is transforming the attitude toward its past.

Chutel, Lynsey. “ Marvel’s Black Panther will speak this real African language. ” Quartz Media . 2018. Web.

Gander, Kashmira. “ Is the Black Panther ‘Wakanda Salute’ Becoming a Symbol of Black Pride ? ” Newsweek . 2018. Web.

Lee, Shanon. “ The women of ‘Black Panther’ are empowered not just in politics and war, but also in love. ” The Washington Post . 2018. Web.

Long, Kelle. “ The Amazing & Unconventional Creations of the Black Panther Make-up Designer. ” The Credits . 2018. Web.

Maloney, Nora. “ Backstage at the Black Panther New York Fashion Week Presentation. ” Vanity Fair . 2018. Web.

Mcintyre, Gina. “ The bold costumes of ‘Black Panther’ join tradition and technology. ” Los Angeles Time . 2018. Web.

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IvyPanda. (2023, October 31). The Film "Black Panther" Analysis. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-film-black-panther-analysis/

"The Film "Black Panther" Analysis." IvyPanda , 31 Oct. 2023, ivypanda.com/essays/the-film-black-panther-analysis/.

IvyPanda . (2023) 'The Film "Black Panther" Analysis'. 31 October.

IvyPanda . 2023. "The Film "Black Panther" Analysis." October 31, 2023. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-film-black-panther-analysis/.

1. IvyPanda . "The Film "Black Panther" Analysis." October 31, 2023. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-film-black-panther-analysis/.

Bibliography

IvyPanda . "The Film "Black Panther" Analysis." October 31, 2023. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-film-black-panther-analysis/.

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Unveiling the Myth: Black Panthers Revealed as Mystical Melanistic Leopards and Jaguars

At Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge, we are passionate about providing proper wildlife education, unraveling the mysteries of the animal kingdom, and dispelling myths that surround our magnificent feline friends. One such myth that has captured the imagination of many, especially in pop culture, is the elusive and enigmatic “black panther.” Contrary to popular belief, no distinct species is called a black panther. Instead, these mystical creatures are, in fact, melanistic leopards ( Panthera pardus ) and jaguars ( Panthera onca ), their dark coats concealing a world of wonder and intrigue.

The term “panther” creates further confusion for animal enthusiasts because it is one of many names for a cougar ( Puma concolor ). This North American big cat holds the Guinness Book of World Records for the most common names, including cougar, mountain lion, puma, panther, catamount, and many more.

The Mystique of the Black Panther:

The term “black panther” has long been used to describe large, shadowy cats that seem to emerge from the depths of the jungle, embodying a sense of mystery and magic. However, the reality is far less fantastical. Black panthers are not a unique species but rather a captivating manifestation of melanism, a genetic condition that results in an excess of dark pigmentation in the skin and fur. In the jungle, having a darker coat for camouflage than it would be in the grassy savanna is highly advantageous.

Melanistic Leopards:

In the jungles of Africa and Asia, melanistic leopards, also known as black leopards, silently stalk their prey, their sleek, obsidian coats providing them with a distinct advantage in the shadows. The black coloration of their fur results from a surplus of melanin, the pigment responsible for skin and hair color in animals.

Black leopards are essentially the same species as their more commonly spotted counterparts. Though challenging to see their spots against the dark background, they are still present and visible under certain lighting conditions. At Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge, we have been fortunate to welcome black leopards into our sanctuary, allowing us to appreciate their unique beauty up close.

Melanistic Jaguars:

A parallel phenomenon occurs among jaguars in the dense rainforests of the Americas. Melanistic jaguars have a jet-black coat adorned with the occasional hint of rosettes, the distinctive spots characteristic of their non-melanistic kin. Much like black leopards, these majestic creatures are not a separate species but rather a testament to the wonders of genetic diversity.

Conservation Significance:

Understanding the truth behind the myth of the black panther is not only fascinating but also crucial for conservation efforts. By appreciating the diversity within species, we can better protect these magnificent cats and their habitats. Melanism is just one of the many natural variations that contribute to the resilience and adaptability of these feline predators.

At Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge, our commitment to the well-being of big cats extends beyond the confines of myth-busting. We strive to provide a haven for these majestic creatures, offering them the care and respect they deserve. Through education and awareness, we hope to inspire a deeper understanding of the intricacies of the animal kingdom and foster a sense of responsibility for the conservation of all wildlife.

Because of their mystical and exotic appearance, black leopards and jaguars were highly sought after in the exotic pet trade. It is expected to see many of them in accredited sanctuaries throughout the United States, having been rescued from previous situations of abuse, neglect, show business, and breeding facilities.

The myth of the black panther may have captivated imaginations for centuries, but the reality is no less enchanting. Melanistic leopards and jaguars, with their inky coats and powerful presence, remind us of the awe-inspiring diversity within the natural world. As we continue our mission at Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge, we invite you to join us in celebrating the truth behind the myth and appreciating these magnificent creatures for the wonders they truly are.

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Science | November 11, 2022

14 Fun Facts About Black Panthers

Many of the Marvel superhero’s powers are inspired by the namesake predator

The costume worn by Chadwick Boseman’s Black Panther in the 2016 film Captain America: Civil War is in the collection of the National Museum of African American History and Culture. The suit imbues him with powers similar to the abilities of the dark cats.

Jacquelyne Germain

Staff Contributor

Superhuman strength, speed and agility are just a few of Black Panther’s powers in Marvel comics and films. But how do they compare to the feats performed by real black panthers?

Black Panther—played by the late Chadwick Boseman—first appeared on screen in the 2016 movie Captain America: Civil War , sporting a form-fitting panther suit equipped with pointy ears and a spiked metal collar. In the acclaimed 2018 movie Black Panther ,  King T’Challa returned in an upgraded supersuit, a sleek black habit featuring a dual chevron chest design, sophisticated weaving and gleaming metal claws peeking out at the hands and feet. The suit is threaded with vibranium , a nearly indestructible fictional element that absorbs and converts kinetic energy into power. After Boseman's death in 2020, the torch will be passed to a new wearer in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever —perhaps to a female Black Panther, if the sequel’s trailers are to be believed.

In the Marvel universe, Black Panther’s superhuman attributes primarily derive from a native Wakandan plant, but the character’s creators took inspiration from his animal namesake. “The Black Panther has all the abilities of a giant jungle cat: He moves with the same stealth and power, and can climb trees and so forth, and he wears a black outfit that conceals his identity,” the hero's creator, Stan Lee,  said in a 2005 interview.

Ahead of the November 11 release of the highly anticipated movie, we reached out to two experts on big cats to learn more about the stealthy and powerful panther.

Black panthers are actually leopards or jaguars

Just like the superhero, black panthers are essentially fictional. Rather than referring to a specific species of big cat, “black panther” is really a colloquial term used to refer to dark jaguars ( Panthera onca ) and leopards ( Panthera pardus ). The animals are melanistic , meaning they have dark-pigmented fur, specifically a black coat or large clusters of black spots set against a backdrop of dark fur. The term “panther” itself derives from the genus Panthera , which encompasses contemporary species like jaguars and leopards, as well as lions and tigers, grouping them together due to their similar cranial features.

The melanistic trait is genetic and owes itself to recessive alleles in leopards and dominant alleles in jaguars, says Byron Weckworth , director of conservation genetics at Panthera , a conservation organization for wild cats. Though melanin concentrations can vary between jaguars and leopards born in the same litter, melanistic jaguars and leopards are rare. “About 10 percent of cats are roughly estimated to be of the black color morph across both species [jaguars and leopards], and that’s all due to various environmental pressures and natural selection,” Weckworth says.

The cats are native to three different continents

T’Challa is native to the fictional African nation of Wakanda, and some melanistic leopards also live in Africa . But black leopards are also common in Asia, where, as in Africa, they are mostly found in dark, dense and wet jungle habitats, such as along African mountain ranges and in tropical forests in South and Southeast Asia. In contrast, melanistic jaguars primarily live in wet lowlands, savannas and rainforests across Central and South America , such as along the Amazon River basin.

Black panthers have retractable claws

One of the notable features of Black Panther's supersuit are the retractable vibranium claws attached to the tips of the suit’s fingers that serve as the hero's primary mode of combat while attacking and subduing enemies. Craig Saffoe , a curator of large carnivores at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute , likens the retractable claws to switchblades, adding that each digit of a jaguar’s or leopard’s paw has a claw attached to it by a ligament. When the ligament is pulled back, the claw is pulled back. The claws’ ability to retract ensures they remain guarded; if the claws were out all the time, they’d become dull or could break. “It’s super important for [jaguars and leopards] to be able to grasp and hold and also incapacitate the prey that they’re chasing,” Saffoe says. “If [their claws] didn’t retract, they wouldn’t be able to hold on to their prey, grasp as much, and they wouldn’t be able to climb trees.”

Black panthers are great swimmers

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever features a major foe in Namor , the king of an underwater kingdom, and if the sequel sends its hero into the ocean, rest assured that jaguars and leopards are amazing swimmers. Unlike a typical house cat that hates water, jaguars and leopards use wetlands and rivers to their advantage. Both cats have the ability to swim, but, given that jaguars tend to live in wetter environments, they’re more likely to go in the water to play, cool off and relax, according to Saffoe. He says jaguars are very well adapted to aquatic and semi-aquatic environments—so prey fleeing into water won’t have much luck.

The nocturnal cats hunt by stealth

Marvel's Black Panther sneaks up on enemies before subduing them. Similarly, jaguars and leopards use stealth while hunting. Dark fur grants the nocturnal predators camouflage, Weckworth says, and the cats use the shadows of the night to hide from prey. “[Jaguars and leopards] are not going to go out there and chase their prey for a long distance,” Weckworth says. “They’re going to sneak up on it, have a short sprint to get it, kill it and take it down.”

Black panthers have extraordinary eyesight

In the original Black Panther , T’Challa uses his suit’s night-vision optics to spot enemies after dark and take them down. Jaguars and leopards essentially do the same; they have reflective lenses on their eyes that let them efficiently absorb light, Saffoe says. At night, the cats can see about six to seven times better than humans. The nocturnal predators’ keen eyesight allows them to spot prey with little to no light. Jaguars’ and leopards’ eyes tend to be a yellowish gold to green, with the color standing out more against the dark-pigmented fur of melanistic cats.

They have an incredible sense of smell

Jaguars and leopards have an acute olfactory sense that aids in their survival, helping them identify friends and foes in the wild. The cats exhibit the flehmen response, a behavior in which they curl their upper lip to expose their front teeth and inhale—a position they hold for a few seconds. “What that does is it opens up their nasal passages and they breathe in, so it really maximizes all the surface area in their snout to absorb all these chemicals and molecules coming from a scent and strengthening that signal for them to process,” Weckworth says. The flehmen response allows jaguars and leopards to take stock of other animals and identify them from their smell alone, according to Weckworth. Similarly, one of Black Panther’s abilities in the Marvel comics was a superhuman sense of smell  the hero used to track down enemies and even sense if people were lying.

Black panthers occasionally seek out plants

Jaguars and leopards are obligate carnivores , meaning they eat mostly meat, as they are unable to digest plant material very well. Still, jaguars and leopards will seek out and access vegetation for medicinal and healing purposes. “[Jaguars and leopards] don’t have Pepto Bismol, so they go eat some grass or some leaves, and then they vomit and they feel better,” Saffoe says. In terms of their actual diets, jaguars and leopards generally prey upon small to medium herbivores, which vary depending on location but include antelope, deer, impala, tapir and birds.

Black panthers climb trees

Leopards use trees to their advantage, climbing and resting on them to hide and isolate themselves from predators or to spot and ambush their next meal. Leopards are also famous for taking their kills into trees. “Leopards will scale a vertical tree, and they’ll carry an impala up there,” Saffoe says. “They’re using those claws to hook into the bark of the tree and climb. It’s ridiculous, especially when you think about the fact that a good-sized impala outweighs a leopard, so it’s carrying more than its body weight, sometimes, up a tree with its jaws.” Jaguars can climb trees, but they aren’t particularly known for that ability, as they’re at the top of the food chain in their native environments and therefore don’t have much competition. In contrast, leopards may have hostile and potentially fatal run-ins with hyenas or lions.

The cats can run fast

Black Panther’s vibranium suit imbues the hero with the power of superspeed , which he uses to chase down and evade enemies. Jaguars and leopards have sprinting speeds of about 30 to 40 miles per hour, allowing them to capture fast prey like impala and antelope. Given their stealth, speed and agility, Weckworth refers to jaguars and leopards as “the ninjas of the forest.” They rely on quick, stealthy moves to catch their prey, and their initial speed is important—they quickly take down animals before they can escape.

Black panthers are extremely territorial

Jaguars and leopards have unique ways of marking their territory, including using their claws to rake down trees. “They’ll certainly use urine to mark their area, and sometimes they’ll rub their bodies and the heads along an area to get their scent on every object that they can possibly get their scent on,” Saffoe says. Weckworth adds that these markings serve as signals to fellow jaguars and leopards, as well as other animals, that the territory is taken and they need to go elsewhere. However, some male jaguars or leopards may challenge a resident male for territory—the animals fight until one dies or gets seriously injured. Whoever wins has claim over the territory and resources.

Typical pregnancies last three months

Both female jaguars and leopards are pregnant for about three months before giving birth to a litter of about two to four cubs that may vary in color scheme depending on the parents’ appearance and genetics. Female jaguars and leopards raise their cubs alone until they reach sexual maturity—at about 2 years old for both males and females. Females reproduce soon after reaching sexual maturity, but males may not do so for a while. “Females will start reproducing earlier than males because the male not only has to find females, but it has to earn those reproductive rights away from the rest of the males,” Weckworth says.

Black panthers can weigh up to 300 pounds

Jaguars can weigh between 200 to 300 pounds. “Jaguars are almost the perfect size, because they’re big enough to be powerful, but they’re small enough to still be agile,” Saffoe says. Leopards are smaller than jaguars and tend to weigh about 150 to 200 pounds. Like jaguars, leopards are renowned for their agility and can leap about 20 feet horizontally . One of Black Panther’s abilities is enhanced agility that allows the hero to leap great distances when chasing down enemies. For both leopards and jaguars, adults tend to be about four to five feet in length, minus tail length, with the longest of both species growing to be about six feet.

The cats are fairly solitary animals

Although Black Panther was dedicated to his family, his fellow Avengers and his people, jaguars and leopards are often solitary animals that tend to live, hunt and travel alone. They interact when mating and while females are tending to their cubs before they reach maturity. Saffoe says evidence of their solitary nature is primarily based on scientists’ observations of their behavior in the wild, but exceptions to the rule exist. “There’s evidence that individual leopards will allow other animals to come in and feed off of kills that they’ve made, which suggests a higher level of social interaction than we previously thought,” Saffoe says.

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Jacquelyne Germain | | READ MORE

Jacquelyne Germain is a reporter and former intern for Smithsonian magazine.

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