African Leopard
Panthera Pardus
- IUCN StatusVulnerable
- Populationover 100,000
- DietCarnivore
- GroupLeap
- SizeCan reach up to 210cm (including tail)
- ContinentAfrica
- LifespanWild 12 to 15 years, Captivity 20 to 25 years
- WeightMales 42-52Kg, Females 40-48kg
- HabitatForest, Savanna, Shrubland, Grassland, Rocky areas (eg. inland cliffs, mountain peaks), Artificial/Terrestrial
- Scientific NamePanthera Pardus
Meet the African Leopard
Leopards are the smallest of the large cats. They are exceptionally agile, aided by their “righting reflex” which allows them to reorient mid-air. They also have specialised paw pads that act as shock absorbers. They use their flexible spines, incredible balance and sharp claws to climb trees, even when carrying heavy prey. They drag their caught prey into trees to prevent other predators from stealing their meal. They are also the masters of stealth when hunting.
Black Leopards, often referred to as Black Panthers, are not a separate species but rather an African leopard with melanism. Melanism is a genetic variation causing an excess of dark pigmentation, triggered by a recessive gene. Both parents must have this recessive allele to pass on the gene for a cub to be black. Meaning a black cub can be born to two normally spotted parents. And although at first glance the leopard looks entirely black, their signature rosette patterns are still visible in the right light.
Introducing....
African Leopard at Wolds Wildlife Park
Did you know?
Here are just some of the many things to know about African Leopard.
Why are black leopards rarely found in open savannas?
Black leopards are found in tropical and subtropical regions rather than open savannas, as this is where their dark coats offer superior camouflage. Though some have been spotted in the semi-arid environments in Kenya, the highest concentrations of black leopards are found in the dense, shaded forests of the Malay Peninsula (where over 90% are melanistic), as well as in Southwestern China, Burma, Nepal, and southern India. Though rare in Africa, they are found in mountainous forested areas of Kenya, including Mount Kenya and Laikipia County, and have been reported in Ethiopia. They prefer areas with dense undergrowth, heavy shade and abundant water sources to aid their nocturnal hunting habits.
How do young leopards transition into their solitary adult lives?
Once their young leave the mother at 18-24 months old, leopards live a solitary life. They only come together to reproduce after locating a mate through scent. Scent is especially important for long distance conversations; leopards will urinate and head rub to let others know where they have been & where their territory lies. They also communicate vocally, most often with hoarse, bark-like calls, and physically by changing the posture of their tails & ears.
What do black leopards typically eat?
Black Leopards are opportunistic, carnivorous predators that hunt a varied diet, primarily consuming medium-sized ungulates (hoofed animals) such as deer, impala, antelope, gazelle and wild boar. Due to their high adaptability, they also eat monkeys, birds, hares, rodents, reptiles, fish, and if necessary, carrion or domestic livestock.
What is the primary cause of the threats?
Black leopards face severe threats primarily from human activity. This includes rapid habitat loss due to deforestation, fragmentation, agriculture and urbanization. Overhunting of their prey species by humans reduces their food supply, and as their natural habitat and prey decreases, they may attack livestock. This can result in retaliatory killing due to conflict with humans. Illegal poaching and wildlife trade for their unique fur and body parts, including their bones, teeth and claws for traditional medicine.
How many cubs do African leopards typically have?
1-3 cubs
How long is an African leopard pregnant?
90 - 105 days
