Why are Leopards Spotted?

Why is a leopard spotty and a tiger striped?

This question was taken on by some researchers at the University of Bristol who looked at 35 species of wild cats, comparing the patterns on their fur to where they live.  The researchers found that dense habitats in the trees tend to be home to patterned wild cats, these species are also more likely to be active where there are low levels of light.  So what does this all mean? The detailed patterns on wild cats have evolved to help them camouflage in the spaces that they live.

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2010-10/uob-wtl101810.php

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