Leopard Facts

Scientific name: Panthera pardus

Conservation status: Vulnerable

Lifespan: 12-17 years (in the wild)

Trophic level: Carnivorous

Mass: Adult males 30-90

The leopard classifies as one of the “big cats” under the genus Panthera. Black panthers are the result of melanistic leopards and jaguars.More About Leopards:

Leopards are mainly nocturnal and are active from dusk to dawn taking long rests during the day in thickets. They are known for being great climbers and leopards are often discovered relaxing on tree branches. They are highly solitary and territorial, associating only during mating season.

Leopards are carnivorous animals, preferring their prey to be medium in size including antelope, wildebeest and deer.

Leopard Facts & Tidbits

Leopards will often drag their prey up into a tree and hang them there.
The leopard will communicate with other leopards in tall grass using the white spots on the tips of their ears and tails, as well as using several vocalisations.
The rosettes on a leopard’s fur are unique to each individual.
Gestation for leopards is 90-105 days with a litter size of 2-4 cubs and a mortality rate of 40-50%.
Leopards tend to avoid humans; however, they may determine a human to be prey.

Distribution

Leopards can be found in Africa and southern Asia, but are still abundant in sub-Saharan Africa, India, south-east Asia and China. In Northern Africa, leopards are critically endangered, as well as in northeast Asia.