A black panther is a black (melanistic) color variant of one of several species of larger cat which are often known by the term panther. "Panther" in North America is most commonly used for the cougar (genus Puma), in Latin America it is most often used to mean a jaguar and elsewhere in the world it usually refers to the leopard (both genus Panthera). Panthers are not necessarily black, but may also be normally colored for the species (tawny or spotted), or white.

Confusion may arise from the distinction between the genus Panthera and the genus Leopardus. Originally, the relatively long-tailed species were called panthers (genus Panthera, which includes the leopard) and others were called leopards (genus Leopardus, which, perhaps confusingly, did not include the leopard.) All these species are now included in the genus Panthera, which therefore covers species such as lions and tigers as well as "panthers".

Description of Panthers
The Panther is described as a large, powerful, carnivorous mammal ( Felis concolor ) of the family Felidae - a wild cat. The panther is similar to the leopard usually having an unmarked tawny body. Black panthers can be described as an unspotted leopards with dark brown hair and very sharp emerald eyes. Their hind legs are larger than the front legs on a long body and neck with a small head, short face a long tail.

The scientists who study animals (zoology ) are called zoologists. Each animal that is studied is classified, that is, split into descriptive groups starting with main groups ( vertebrates and invertebrates ) the Families of animals are also included such as Ursidae ( the family of bears) and the families are then split into species such as Ursus americanus (American Black Bear).

Panthers - other names
Panthers are known be several regional names such as:
* Cougar
* Puma
* Catamount
* Mountain lion
* Painter

Facts about where Panthers live and what they eat!
Panthers are native to Asia, America and Africa. The common habitat is the coniferous and tropical forests, swamps or grassland. The diet of Panthers, being a carnivore, consists of large mammals, including deer but they also eat smaller animals including rabbits and birds.

Basic Facts about Panthers
The name of a male is referred to simply as a panther.
The name of a female is referred to as a she-panther.
The name or offspring, or a baby Panther, is a cub.
The average size of a litter is one to four.
The sound made by a Panther is referred to as a growl, hiss or snarl.

Facts about the Size of Male Panthers
Fully grown they reach the height of 7 to 8 feet.
An adult weighs between 100 and 250 pounds.

Cool and Fun Facts about the life, behavior and personality of Panthers
* Keen sense of hearing and sight
* Solitary animals
* Extremely agile - can leap up to 20 feet
* Sharp Claws
* Strong Jaws
What does that word mean??
Some fascinating information & facts about the words that are often used to describe animals! Read the facts and information and decide how Panthers should be described!

* What is a Mammal?
o A Mammal is a warm blooded, vertebrate mammal. Warm blooded means that their temperature remains the same although their surroundings might change. This explains why they have a covering of hair on their skin. A mammal has milk-producing mammary glands for nourishing their young.

* What is a Vertebrate?
o A Vertebrate is an animal that has a backbone which consists of ring-like bones, called vertebrae, that protect the soft spinal cord

* What is an Invertebrate?
o An Invertebrate animal does not have a backbone. They are also cold-blooded which means their body temperature changes according to the environment environment

* What is a Carnivore?
o A Carnivore is an animal which eats mainly meat

* What is a Herbivore?
o A Herbivore is an animal which eats mainly plants and grass

* What is an Omnivore?
o An Omnivore is an animal which eats both meat and plants

* What is an Amphibian?
o An Amphibian is an animal spend part of its life under water (breathing with gills) and the remainder on land (breathing with lungs)

Some fascinating information & facts about the words that are often used to describe animals!

Endangered Species
Wild life experts consider that Panthers are an endangered species.

An “endangered” species is one that is in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range. The Causes of a species of animal becoming endangered are due to Habitat Destruction, Introduction of Exotic Species, Disease, Pollution, and Over exploitation. Endangered Species Organizations are dedicated to saving and preserving the world's most endangered wildlife. Interesting facts about endangered Species.