There are over 20 subspecies of leopards. Leopards are 10 times stronger than humans and can carry 3 times their body weight up into trees. Some leopards are melanistic, which produces a black fur. Their spots are visible, especially when light is on them. As melanism is a recessive gene, two black parents will produce black cubs, and two spotted can have black cubs.
Mixed litters are common.
Their heavy coats protect them from harsh Himalayan winters. Like the leopard, they are loners and excellant hunters. They bear two to three cubs every other year. The cubs survival depends on the survival of their species. They have a tail as long as 3 feet, with their body averaging in length about 4 to 5 feet.