When I build a world, I like to use real-world species.
My pentapardi, for instance, are based on Panthera pardus, aka leopards.
Since it doesn’t really work to base a species on an animal I know nothing about, I’m reading up on the biology and physiology of our planet’s smallest big cat.
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Two to three million years ago the leopard's evolutionary path diverged from lions, and since then, they’ve gained super-feline strength as well as notable vertical and horizontal leaping lengths.
On a typical day, leopards walk with their tail curved down and the tip turned slightly up. And as ambush hunters, they spend a fair amount of time crouching and waiting to pounce. But there’s more to their locomotion than going for strolls and hiding from prey.
Unique Digitigrade Locomotion
One of the things that gives leopards–well, cats, in general–their unique abilities for movement is the fact that they are digitigrade. So let’s talk for a bit about what that means.
While plantigrade animals, humans included, walk on their feet and toes with the ankle and heel touching the ground, digitigrade animals walk on their toes (or fingers), and everything beyond is positioned higher from the ground.
As hunters, cats need to cover long distances quickly. Their physiology supports this need with a spine that has a wide range of motion and with flexible, elastic limbs. These biological adaptations allow speed and maneuverability for quick, quiet, and agile movements.
Cat speed and stealth are maximized via digitigrade legs that receive leverage from their hocks (or ankles) for powerful running and jumping.
The symmetric gait of cats gives them an even greater advantage for hunting. They move their right side, then their left side. This movement is unlike that of other animals that requires alternately moving left and right limbs.
Only two other species–giraffes and camels–have evolved to move in this manner. And cats, specifically, have developed this trait to facilitate more fluid movement for stealth purposes.
Climbing and Caching
Being digitigrade is not the only beneficial biological trait that cats, including leopards, have developed. Protractible claws allow cats to stay sharp in many situations. This is a useful evolutionary adaptation since sharp claws help them capture prey, fight and climb.
It’s useful enough to be a good climber, but leopards are also quite strong. Despite being the smallest of the big cats (an adult weighs somewhere between 28 and 90 kg), their sharp claws assist in their common habit of carrying hundred kilogram kills over 15 meters up a tree.
This kill and climb method is a short-term food caching strategy that lets leopards eat their food in peace–over several days. If not for this behavior, scavengers, like lions or hyenas, may try to steal a snack.
Jumping, Running, and Swimming
If you weren’t already convinced of leopards’ physical prowess, there are a few more feats that may interest you.
Though not the fastest run in the animal kingdom, the leopard’s sprint clocks in at 58 km/h. Plus, leopards are able to bound six meters vertically in a single bound as well as jump three meters straight up.
These stats mean that not only can leopards ambush-pounce from a significant distance, but they can swat birds to the ground if they’re looking for a quick bite to eat.
Not limited to the land and sky, leopards have a versatile carnivorous diet that includes fish and crabs. And, they can easily hunt as they luxuriate in a local water source.
Cause, yeah, leopards aren’t just great at track and field sports, but they’re strong swimmers, as well. Living in a hot climate means that a dip in the water is a welcome respite for these cats who love the water.
Their multitude of physical strengths make them a fascinating species to base a science fiction peoples off of. I’m looking forward to massaging these stealthy predators into a society.
Until next time, stay curious.