Leopard in the tree II Postcard

The leopard is a symbol meaning a valiant and hardy warrior. Leopard skins were worn by priests of ancient Egypt to ward off evil spirits. Leopards, like cougars and jaguars, are also considered to be familiars for shamans. In African lore, the leopard is stealthy, shrewd, solitary and loyal only to its own cubs. A Tanzanian proverb reads: "He who dines with the leopard is liable to be eaten." The leopard is the smallest of the big cats. The other three are tigers, lions and jaguars. The leopard will consume almost any animal it can hunt down and can run at speeds of up to 36 miles per hour.