Leopard
- scientific name
:
Panthera pardus - top speed
:
58 km/h - order
:
Carnivora
Size
The leopard is a large felid of the genus Panthera. It is muscular, with a long body, relatively short legs and a broad head. Its fur is pale yellow to gray with black spots.
LifeSpan
Leopards typically live 12-15 years in the wild. With proper care in captivity, they can live over 20 years.
Conservation Status
Classified as Vulnerable by the IUCN due to habitat loss, poaching and prey depletion. Leopard populations are declining across their range.
Distribution
Leopards have an extensive historic range in Africa and Asia. Today they inhabit sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East, Russia, China, Southeast Asia and the Korean Peninsula.
Coevolution
The elusive leopard features prominently in African and Asian folklore and mythology. Its stealth hunting evokes a sense of mystery, but is also feared. Leopards represent adaptability given their diverse habitats. Their iconic spotted coat has inspired human culture across their range.
Nutrition
Leopards are carnivores and prey on a wide variety of mammals based on availability, including antelope, monkeys, rodents, hares, birds, reptiles and amphibians.
Lifestyle
Leopards lead a solitary, nocturnal existence. They rest in vegetation, caves and rock crevices by day. Males demarcate territories with scent markings and defend them from other males. Females raise cubs independently in their own home ranges after brief mating encounters.