Introduction
There are some confusion and mixed use of the term black panther on various medias including internet. It is the results of historical background, geographical and cultural difference. It is generally agreed that black panther is not a scientific term for a distinct species but is a common name for some big cats with darker skin and black coat. The difference is due to the range of cats included. Basically, there are three types of definitions or views for the term black panther.
1. Most Commonly Used Definition (Common View)
The commonly used word panther, probably derived form the Latin word "Panthera" which is a genus of the animal subfamily Felinae (the cats) in terms of animal taxonomy. This genus panthera contains four well-know living speices: lion, tiger, jaguar, and leopard. Only these four cat species have the anatomical changes enabling them to roar.
Black panther is not a distinct species but just a common name for a black specimen (melanistic variant) of several species of cats belong to the genus panthera. Melanism occurs because of a mutation or abnormality of one of the cats genes which is associated with coat coloration and markings. Melanism is most common in the leopard and jaguar. Other species of cats within genus panthera have not known to produce all-black variant of cats. The darkest confirmed tigers (some call it black tiger) still have orange stripes. Therefore black leopard and black jaguar are only two legitimate types of black panther scientifically recognized today.
Black panther is not a distinct species but just a common name for a black specimen (melanistic variant) of several species of cats belong to the genus panthera. Melanism occurs because of a mutation or abnormality of one of the cats genes which is associated with coat coloration and markings. Melanism is most common in the leopard and jaguar. Other species of cats within genus panthera have not known to produce all-black variant of cats. The darkest confirmed tigers (some call it black tiger) still have orange stripes. Therefore black leopard and black jaguar are only two legitimate types of black panther scientifically recognized today.
2. Strict Definition (Purist View)
Zoologically speaking, the term panther is synonymous with leopard. The name leopard comes from Greek words for lion (leo) and panther (pardos). Panther and leopard are names for the same kind of animal, but "panther" is most often used for black phase of spotted leopard. Therefore, by strictest definition, the term black panther refers to only black leopard - a melanistic variant of spotted leopard.
For many years, it was thought that leopards and panthers were different species of cats. However, by the 20th century, scientists had established that the leopard and panther belong to the same species. It is common to see that a female leopard give birth to a mixed litter with a black cub along with a couple of fair spotted cubs as siblings. Black cub grows into black leopard (black panther) and fair cubs grow into fair leopard.
For many years, it was thought that leopards and panthers were different species of cats. However, by the 20th century, scientists had established that the leopard and panther belong to the same species. It is common to see that a female leopard give birth to a mixed litter with a black cub along with a couple of fair spotted cubs as siblings. Black cub grows into black leopard (black panther) and fair cubs grow into fair leopard.
3. Crypto-zoological Definition (Broad View)
The common word panther is used differently in different geographic areas. In North America, cougar is called panther; in Latin American, panther is most often used for Jaguar. Most of other part of world, the word panther refers to the leopard.
The term Black panther is used for any types of big cats with black coat. Some of them are just reported sightings or pictures without close examination or confirmation by scientists or researchers. Other than most commonly accepted black panther animals, black leopard and black jaguar, people also use the term black panther for all look like all-black versions of a cat species such as cougar, puma, tiger, bobcat, lynx, jaguarundi, or even a suspected prehistoric survivor - cave lion, etc.
Black cougars: Confirmed black cougars are extremely rare, and all of them so far have had white stomachs.
Puma: legendary mountain lions through out North and South Americas. Some use the word puma for cougars.
Jaguarundi: There are some reports about black panther seen in part Texas and Florida. They might be a type of South America cat known as the Jaguarundi.
Black tigers: the darkest confirmed black tigers still have orange stripes. A big black cat is reported seen in Braizil, Bolivia and Peru. People call it black tiger, jaguarete, and yana puma.
The term Black panther is used for any types of big cats with black coat. Some of them are just reported sightings or pictures without close examination or confirmation by scientists or researchers. Other than most commonly accepted black panther animals, black leopard and black jaguar, people also use the term black panther for all look like all-black versions of a cat species such as cougar, puma, tiger, bobcat, lynx, jaguarundi, or even a suspected prehistoric survivor - cave lion, etc.
Black cougars: Confirmed black cougars are extremely rare, and all of them so far have had white stomachs.
Puma: legendary mountain lions through out North and South Americas. Some use the word puma for cougars.
Jaguarundi: There are some reports about black panther seen in part Texas and Florida. They might be a type of South America cat known as the Jaguarundi.
Black tigers: the darkest confirmed black tigers still have orange stripes. A big black cat is reported seen in Braizil, Bolivia and Peru. People call it black tiger, jaguarete, and yana puma.
General Information on Black Panthers
- Black Panther Animal
- This site shows a great amount of information about black panther animal from its name classification, physical description, behavior, life cycle, habitat, cubs to endangerment and conservation status as well as other things related to black panthers.
- Black Panther Hub
- This Hub presents a brief introduction about the black panther - an exotic wild animal. It covers the classification, habitat, diet, and endangered status.
- Wikipedia: Black Panther
- The black panther is defined here. Black leopards and black jaguars are two types of black panthers recognized so far.
Black Panthers Used in a Simbolic Manner
- Black Panther Party
- General information about the Black panther Party - a civil right movement.
- Black Panther Comic
- The Black Panther is a popular fictional superhero in the Marvel Comics universe known as "T'Challa".
- Carolian Panthers
- Carolina Panthers official site. Information about schedule, tickets, news, fans, shop, etc.
Find Your Favorite Item from Ebay
There are thousands of items related to black panthers available on Ebay. Find your favorite ones here.
Books and Other Products Related to Black Panthers
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What We Want, What We Believe: The Black Panther Party Library
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Framing the Black Panthers: The Spectacular Rise of a Black Power Icon by Jane Rhodes
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An Interesting piece of Black Panther Videos
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OhMe Sep 13, 2008 @ 7:51 pm | delete
- I'm Tate I'm 8 years old.I'm ohme's grandson.My favorite animal used to be a Black panther.I love your lens.Its really cool.5 star
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LeslieBrenner May 6, 2008 @ 5:22 pm | delete
- Nice lens. Panthers/leopards are beautiful, especially at a safe distance.
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magmorta Apr 29, 2008 @ 1:24 pm | delete
- TY for making this lens.
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Evelyn_Saenz
Apr 25, 2008 @ 6:55 pm | delete
- What a great lens! 5 Stars and Favored!
The Awesome Pawsome Tigers stopped by to visit their cousins. They learned a lot and are sending you virtual maple syrup to pour on your waffles.
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ElizabethJeanAllen
Apr 9, 2008 @ 8:57 pm | delete
- Nice Lens!
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