Leopards spread across Africa and Asia's rainforests and steppe and are one of the largest cat species in the world. In this leopard guide, we explore the facts, behaviour, diet and threats facing the species; and how you can see them on our Africa and Asia safaris.

Leopard Facts, Appearance and Key Characteristics

One of the most beautiful big cat species, the leopard has vibrant yellow fur dotted with dark spots. They look similar to their Latin counterparts, the  Jaguar, but are a more slender build. Males weigh up to 70 kg (160 lb) and reach nearly 2 metre (70 in) in length, whilst females are rarely over 40 kg (90 lb).

Looks aside, these spotted cats are unique and impressive animals. They are incredibly adapted to high running speeds of nearly 60 kmph (40 mph) and the ability to jump up to 3x their body length. They are powerful too with the strength to carry prey into treetop larders, to store food after their kills. 

Where Leopards Live: Range and Habitat Across Africa and Asia

According to evolutionary biologists, leopards originated in Africa, but today it can be found in a diverse range of locations and habitats separating the species into 2 main subspecies: the African leopard and the Asian leopard. 

Leopard habitats include rainforests, savannahs and deserts. Even in urban environments Leopards can find suitable places to live. Its apparent ability to exist in a range of environments is reflected by the number of countries it can be found in - potentially over 60 countries are home to leopards today. African leopards occupy around 25 different countries on the continent; whilst Asian leopards are found in more fragmented habitats in the Middle East, India, Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia. 

Leopard Social Behaviour, Mating and Reproduction

As one of the more solitary species of cats, leopard behaviour has some similarities to species like Tigers. They establish their own ranges and protect these against competitors. The territory sizes of leopards ranges across the world - anywhere from 40 km² (15.5 sq miles) in the Serengeti to 450 km² (175 sq miles) in Namibia - but male ranges are consistently larger than those of females by x3-6. 

Male ranges are often overlapping with multiple female ranges and this seems to be an adaptation benefitting leopard reproduction. Mating may occur throughout the year with females giving birth to litters of up to 4 cubs just over 3 months later. 

Leopard Life Cycle: From Cub to Adult

Leopard cubs will wean for up to 9 weeks before they start to eat meat and go hunting with their mother, not leaving her until they are 2 years old and likely sexually mature. In the wild, leopards have a lifespan of around 12 years - a comparatively low figure to other big cat species - but some of the oldest may reach 17. 

What Leopards Eat and Their Natural Predators

The diet of leopards spans a wide range of animals, most of which are from the group of hoofed mammals known as the ungulates. They also prey on primates like Mangabeys and Grey Langurs, as well as smaller carnivores like Jackals and Genets. 

Though they rarely tackle prey over 40 kg (88 lb), the largest animal known to be killed by a leopard was a species of Giant Antelope called the Eland, which weighed an immense 900 kg (2,000 lb).

Due to the nature of the habitats which leopards live, they face significant dangers from potential predators. Lions, Hyenas and African Wild Dogs are its most notable enemies to African leopards as they are pack hunters and sometimes larger in size. Though not a risk to adults, Cheetahs can also be a threat to juvenile leopards. In Asia, Tigers and Dholes will both overpower leopards.

Juvenile leopards are even at risk from adult male leopards who are known to commit infanticide.

Threats Facing Leopards and Conservation Efforts

Major threats to leopards include habitat fragmentation which normally occurs when making way for farmland. They are also poached for their skins and bones and traded illegally around the world. 

It is thought that Leopards now only exist in a quarter of their historical range due to human pressures. Northern Africa and southern Asia have seen the steepest declines in population. However, populations have increased in some locations too - in the Loess Plateau, the population increased by an estimated 25% between 2017 and 2018. Leopard conservation projects including protected areas and sanctuaries in Russia and India have also seen populations stabilise or grow. 

Where to See Leopards in the Wild with Aqua-Firma

Our leopard safaris in Africa and Asia take you to the best places to see leopards in the wild, from the Maasai Mara, Serengeti and Botswana's Okavango Delta in Africa; to Sri Lanka’s Wilpattu and Yala National Parks.

Contact Us to book your place on a trip to see these incredible creatures or visit our Wildlife Safaris page to see all our trips in search of iconic animals across the globe.