Puma (Puma Concolor)
Introduction.
As the only member of the Puma genus, the puma (Puma concolor), also known as the mountain lion, cougar, or panther, is a highly adaptable and elusive big cat. Though not classified within the Pantheragenus, it is the largest of the small cats and an exceptionally skilled ambush predator.
They are stealthy hunters capable of silently stalking prey over long distances before launching a powerful, explosive ambush.
Appearance.
The puma is a sleek, powerful predator built for agility and stealth. Its muscular yet lean body, long limbs, and large paws allow it to leap up to 6 meters (20 feet) vertically and 12 meters (40 feet) horizontally. A long tail aids in balance while navigating rugged terrain.
With a small, rounded head, strong jaws, and sharp, retractable claws, pumas are efficient ambush hunters. Their large amber or hazel eyes enhance night vision, while their solid tawny or grayish coat provides excellent camouflage. Unlike leopards, pumas lack rosettes, though they have distinct black markings on the ears, nose, and tail tip.
Size.
Height range:
Pumas typically stand 60 to 90 cm (24 to 35 inches) at the shoulder.
Weight range:
Pumas typically weigh between 29 to 120 kg (64 to 265 lbs), with males being significantly heavier than females.
Males: 45 to 120 kg (99 to 265 lbs), Females: 29 to 64 kg (64 to 141 lbs)
Cubs.
Pumas generally have litters of between 2-4 cub/kittens. Cubs stay with their mother for 18 – 24 months. . During this time, she teaches them essential survival skills like hunting. Puma cubs are born with spots, these spots start to fade at around 2 months of age and are barely visible by 6 months of age, they are usually completely gone by around 2 % half years old.
Scent Marking.
Pumas communicate through scent marking, signaling their reproductive status and establishing territory. They employ various methods, including spraying urine on shrubs, trees, and dirt patches, rubbing their cheeks on objects, clawing trees, scraping the ground with their hind feet, and leaving fecal deposits.
Diet.
Pumas are strict carnivores, they prefer ungulates, like deer, but will eat anything they can catch, from insects, to mammals and birds. Any of the UKs wildlife could appear on a pumas menu.
Melanism.
Melanism has not been officially documented in Pumas, but is reported.
A male and female puma, the size difference between them is very striking. These are not melanistic.