African Leopard (Panthera pardus) lives in forests, grasslands, and deserts across Sub-Saharan Africa. It feeds on small to medium-sized antelopes, gazelles, impalas. Its conservation status is Vulnerable.
Fascinating facts about the African Leopard
- Leopards can sprint reaching speeds over 58 km/h (36 mph; 16 m/s). Their bodies are built for short bursts: a muscular, slender frame with short limbs lets them accelerate quickly, then they can leap 6 m (20 ft) horizontally and 3 m (9.8 ft) straight up to ambush prey or escape danger.
- Recorded male leopards reach 96 kg (212 lb) and a length of 262 cm (103 in). In India, a 78.5 kg (173 lb) leopard measured 261 cm (103 in), likely the largest wild Indian specimen. Size varies from 20 kg males in South Africa's Cape Province to nearly 100 kg giants.
- Leopards have the widest distribution of any wild cat, spanning Africa and Asia, yet their range is fragmenting. In West Africa their numbers have dropped 95 % and in the Sahara 97 %. In India, forested habitats within tiger-range landscapes still host 12,172 to 13,535 leopards as of 2020.
- Leopards are masters of stealth, using their rosette-spotted coats as camouflage in dappled light. Each animal's pattern is unique, allowing researchers to identify individuals in camera-trap studies. This cryptic coloration lets them stalk ungulates and primates, then drag prey up trees.
- Leopard cubs are born weighing less than 1 kg, blind for the first week, and stay hidden for up to 36 hours while mothers hunt. They begin walking at two weeks, leave the den at 6-8 weeks, and are fully weaned by three months, becoming independent just under 20 months.
Sources
Every fact above was checked against these pages, and kept only where one of them states it.
At a glance
RangeSub-Saharan Africa
HabitatForests, grasslands, and deserts
DietSmall to medium-sized antelopes, gazelles, impalas
About the African Leopard
The African leopard is a majestic and elusive big cat, with a tawny or golden coat featuring dark spots and rosettes. They are solitary and nocturnal, spending most of their time alone, except for brief mating periods. Their large territories are marked with scent and scratch marks on trees, warning other leopards to stay away. As skilled climbers, they often drag their prey into the trees to feed or hide it from other predators. With their powerful legs and sharp claws, they are well-adapted to their environment, and their beautiful coats help them blend in with their surroundings. African leopards are also excellent swimmers and have been known to cool off in rivers and lakes during the hot summer months. Their agility and stealth make them formidable hunters, capable of taking down a wide variety of prey.
Hear the African Leopard, and 4,400+ more
Real recorded sounds, 11 nature games and a free Daily 5, 1v1 quiz duels, conservation wins and a safe Kids mode. Free on Feravox.
African Leopard photographed on Feravox
More wildlife to discover
