Leopard

Panthera pardus

The leopard (Panthera pardus) is a solitary and adaptable big cat known for its unmatched agility and strength. Distinguished by its striking coat of golden fur covered in black rosettes, leopards possess a sleek, muscular build that allows them to thrive in diverse habitats ranging from dense rainforests to arid savannas. Adult leopards typically weigh between 60 to 140 pounds and measure approximately four to six feet in body length, not including their long, powerful tail.

Leopards are predominantly nocturnal, skilled hunters with acute senses that enable them to stalk prey silently and ambush with explosive speed. Their diet is highly varied, including ungulates, monkeys, rodents, and occasionally birds, making them opportunistic feeders capable of adapting to changes in prey availability. Remarkably strong climbers, leopards often hoist their kills into trees to protect them from scavengers.

Socially, the leopard is largely solitary, with individuals maintaining territories marked by scent markings and vocalizations. Though they are widely distributed across sub-Saharan Africa and parts of Asia, leopard populations are declining due to habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict, and poaching, prompting their classification as Vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Conservation efforts focus on habitat protection and mitigating human-leopard conflicts to ensure the survival of this majestic species.