The term "panther" actually refers to three different types of big cats, leopards (Panthera pardus) or jaguars (Panthera onca) with a black or white colour mutation, and a cougar subspecies (Puma concolor).
The "black panther" is either an American black jaguar or an Asian or African black leopard. The black panther has normal rosettes (spots) but is often difficult to see due to the animal's dark fur.
Melanism is the name given to the dark pigmentation mutation in a jaguar or leopard that causes the fur to be blackish; it affects approximately 6% of the population.
Albinism, the polar opposite of melanism, is an even rarer mutation that can occur in most animal species. Albino leopards, jaguars, or cougars are the extremely rare "white panther."
Because the melanism gene is dominant in jaguars, a black jaguar can have either black or spotted cubs, whereas a spotted jaguar pair can only have spotted cubs.
Aside from colour, the black panther is thought to be less fertile than other big cats and much more unpredictable and aggressive.
Black panthers are excellent swimmers and among the most powerful tree climbers. They can climb up to 20 feet to catch their prey, which includes medium-sized animals like deer and monkeys, as well as smaller rabbits and birds.
Black panthers have excellent hearing, vision, and a powerful jaw.
The black panther is known as the "ghost of the forest." It is a cunning, stealthy attacker, and its dark coat allows it to hide and stalk prey, especially at night easily.
The Florida panther is one of over 30 cougars (Puma concolor) subspecies.
