What is a "panther"?

A "panther" is often used to refer to a large, solitary, and powerful big cat species known as the leopard (Panthera pardus) with a striking all-black coat. Panthers, or black leopards, have a sleek and muscular body similar to other leopards, but their coat lacks the typical spotted pattern and is entirely black, owing to a genetic condition called melanism. This dark coat provides excellent camouflage in their natural habitats of forests, grasslands, and mountains, allowing them to blend seamlessly into the shadows and stalk their prey with stealth and precision. Panthers are skilled hunters and are known for their agility, speed, and strength. They primarily feed on a variety of prey, including ungulates, small mammals, and birds.