Black Panthers - Did You Know?

Jaguars are part of the Panthera species of big cats, which also includes leopards. The term “panther” is a broad identifier for any big cat in this group, and the “black panther” is not actually its own species. Black panthers are a melanistic variant of either jaguars or leopards, and are thus much darker than their cousins. Yet despite this black pigmentation, the characteristic rosettes of jaguars and the spots of leopards can still be seen on the fur in the right light if you look closely. Perhaps this explains the origins of that expression about “never changing your spots?!”

Celebrate World Jaguar Day on April 10!