Persian leopard  (Panthera pardus saxicolor)

Of the eight recognised subspecies of leopard found in the world, the rare Persian leopard is one of the largest (4). While size varies considerably throughout the geographic range of the leopard, the main characteristic features are shared by all subspecies. Typically, they have short legs and a powerful stocky frame, uniquely patterned with black rosettes on the back, flanks, shoulders and haunches and black spots and blotches on the head, throat, chest and belly (2) (4) (5). The background colour of their distinctive coat ranges from pale yellow to deep gold, with the exception of the underparts which are white from the chin to the tail (4) (5). The pattern of rosettes, spots and blotches extends to the tip of a long tail, which measures between 60 to 75 percent of the head and body length (4). The skull is conspicuously large in proportion to the rest of their body and allows for the powerful jaw muscles required to take larger prey (5).