The Leopard Changed Its Spots
This week a new species of leopard was declared in Borneo. Until now it was thought to be so similar to its mainland cousin that it was considered the same species. In fact the two were separated 1.4 million years ago, during which time they each developed different markings. So a leopard can change its spots, it just takes a little time.
The expression “a leopard cannot change its spots” comes from a Greek proverb that appears in the Bible (Jeremiah 13:23):
“Can the Ethiopian change his skin, or the leopard his spots? Then may ye also do good, that are accustomed to do evil.”
Perhaps this bodes well then in the Grand Scheme of Things.
I’m not a great cat lover, but I do love great cats, and this one is very fine indeed. You can watch one prowling with the regal nonchalance reserved for those at the pinnacle of the food chain in this BBC article.
Borneo is a hotbed of scientific discoveries, a place where serendipity probably grows on trees. The Heart of Borneo conservation project says:
“The forests of the Heart of Borneo are some of the most biologically diverse habitats on Earth, possessing staggeringly high numbers of unique plant and animal species.”
I find it completely fascinating that so many exquisite creations exist in nature whether we are there to appreciate them or not (as I mentioned in The Newness of Now).
Only a couple of hundred years ago you’d have had to get on a ship for several weeks to see anything remotely tropical. Now you click a button and a Clouded Leopard is prowling around your living room. No scurvy, no sea-sickness, no creepy-crawlies. I love the 21st Century.
Image: WWF-Canon / Alain Compost BBC.co.uk
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March 18th, 2007 at 2:20 am
Great post, I’m adding it to my blogger news post over on Coffee Break tonight. Great blogging!
March 18th, 2007 at 8:15 am
I’m honoured, Christy! Thanks for visiting. I recommend checking out the BBC video clip if you haven’t already. This is such a beautiful creature.
March 18th, 2007 at 2:09 pm
A discovery such as this awakens a sense of awe at our planet and how even in the 21st century we are still only learning.
March 18th, 2007 at 2:23 pm
Thanks Jackal. Yes, it’s heartening to know that nature is always so many steps ahead of us. I’m always concerned about the damage humans do to Nature, but then it’s so resilient and adaptable as to give one heart and hope. I only have to see weeds pushing up through several inches of tarmac or tree roots breaking solid concrete to remember the indefatigable power of nature. It’s a powerful source of inspiration.
I wrote a poem a while back about how nature’s optimism engenders optimism in me: Departing Queens.
March 18th, 2007 at 9:09 pm
I saw the Clouded Leopard on tv last night and, as you say, had to marvel that such a rare and special thing could drift gracefully across the screen before my eyes while I was parked, sluglike, on the couch. Perhaps we’d appreciate these womders a little more if we, like explorers and naturalists of old, had to put life and comfort at risk to tromp in malarial fever through tangled steamy jungles in search of…
March 18th, 2007 at 9:26 pm
Thanks, Domestika. Glad you got to see this glorious animal too. Yes, I’m very grateful there are brave souls out there willing to put their comfort at risk so I my maintain my own. You wouldn’t catch me crawling through that undergrowth for fun.