Wild cat of the southwestern USA, Mexico, and Central and South America. It is up to 1 m/3 ft long, with a 45 cm/1.5 ft tail, weighs about 18 kg/40 lb, and has a pale yellowish coat marked with horizontal stripes and blotches. As a result of being hunted for its fur, it is close to extinction. (Species Felis pardalis, family Felidae.)
The mon, the central red disc, is called Hi-no-maru or sun-disc. The disc is set slightly towards the hoist. White symbolizes honesty and purity. Effective date: 5 August 1854.