African Leopard (Panthera pardus) Felidae
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Lateral View Male Leopard (Panthera pardus) Skull
Leopards possess the longest canines amongst members of the family felidae. In fact, relative to body size, leopard canines are quite elongate and rival those of any mammal on earth. The lengthy canines allow the leopard to puncture wind pipes/suffocate prey and efficiently sever arteries and spinal chords.
Lateral View Male Leopard Skull
The skull is heavily built, crests and muscle attachment surface area exaggerated. Powerful muscles of mastication and robust cervical musculature combined with stiletto-like canines and huge carnassial shearing teeth characterize this incredibly proficient predator.
Lateral View Male Leopard Skull/Dentition
Note the prominent canine grooves which are a key to identifying the skulls of mid-sized felids. Both snow leopards (Uncia uncia) and Leopards (Panthera pardus) canines possess the grooves while Jaguar (Panthere onca), Cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus), and cougar (Felis concolor) canines are devoid of developmental grooves.
Anterior View Female Leopard Weaponry
Elegant natural sculpture; the pinnacle of osseous symmetry and perfection. Exaggerated canines are not unlike those of saber-toothed felids. Protracted felid canines are hunting instruments designed to puncture and sever arteries and inflict mortal cervical injuries.
Posterior View Female Leopard Skull
The elevations, depressions and crests in the bone add surface area and anchors for muscle attachment. As these animals age, the ridges and crests become more pronounced.
Sexual Dimorphism African Leopard
Comparison of adult male and female leopard skulls demonstrating intraspecific sexual dimorphism . The male is nearly 50% larger than the female.
ImageKnowledge and LightPhotoPhotographSteve Tornaafricancaninescatfangsfelidaefemaleleopardmalemandibleosteologypanthera pardussagittal crestskullsexual dimorphism