Leopard - Panthera Pardus

The second largest of African Big Cats is the leopard. These solitary cats are beautifully marked, covered in markings known as rosettes.

Known for its strength and agility, this stealthy cat is seldom seen. They are predominantly nocturnal, hunting under the cover of darkness. They use their brute strength to carry their prey up a tree to protect their meal from other predators like hyenas and lions. They live in a range of habitats from tropical rainforests to desolate deserts and span through Africa and Asia, even making homes in urban environments amongst people. 

They do face an unfortunate peril in the modern world, as their range shrinks as man expands. They are persecuted by farmers as they are opportunistic feeders and will eat whatever they can, be it a goat, cow, chicken or dog. 

They are listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN on the ‘redlist’. The current population trend is decreasing. So there is a great deal of work to be done to keep these great Cats thriving in our modern world.