The leopard is the most adaptable of the big cats, able to live in rainforests, deserts, mountains and on the outskirts of cities such as Mumbai. That flexibility has kept it widespread, but it has still lost a large share of its historical range, and several subspecies are Critically Endangered.
Interesting facts
- Leopards have the widest range of any wild cat, from Africa to the Russian Far East.
- Their spots are rosettes: dark rings around a lighter centre.
- Black panthers are usually leopards (in Asia and Africa) or jaguars (in the Americas) with melanism.
- Leopards have been recorded eating more than 90 different prey species.
- They are mostly nocturnal and extremely secretive.
- The Amur leopard of Russia and China is one of the rarest big cats, with only around 100 animals.
Behaviour
Leopards are solitary and territorial. They stalk prey to within a few metres before pouncing, and often store kills in trees. Communication is by scent marking, scratch marks and a rasping call that sounds like wood being sawn.
Breeding and young
Females give birth to 2 to 3 cubs after about 96 days. Cubs are hidden in dens and caves and stay with their mother for 12 to 18 months.
Threats and conservation
Habitat loss, conflict with livestock owners, illegal trade in skins and body parts, trophy hunting and depletion of prey.
Where to see it
- South Luangwa, Zambia
- Sabi Sands, South Africa
- Yala National Park, Sri Lanka
- Samburu, Kenya
- Jhalana, Jaipur, India
Status source: IUCN Red List. Profile last reviewed September 2026.
Where to see the leopard
Samburu National Reserve and the Samburu Special FiveNorthern Kenya's Samburu is home to five animals you will not see in the Maasai Mara, plus excellent…
Kruger National Park Self-Drive GuideKruger is one of the best places in Africa to safari on your own. Where to go, where…
Sabi Sands vs Kruger: Private Reserve or National Park?Kruger and the private Sabi Sand reserve share the same wildlife but offer very different safaris. A clear…
