Leopards are not without reason among Africa's renowned Big Five. As cunning hunters on silent paws, they impress with a hunting behavior that is unparalleled. These master hunters of the savannah are not only native to Africa. Thanks to their remarkable adaptability, leopards inhabit an astonishing range of habitats—from dense rainforests and dry steppes to mountainous regions.
Panthera pardus
LEOPARD – A MASTER HUNTER OF AFRICA
Leopards are superbly camouflaged predators that employ both strength and cunning in their hunts: they silently stalk their prey, sneaking up via indirect routes before swiftly seizing it with their large paws. They often drag their kill for miles through their territory to hoist it into a tree, safeguarding it from other predators.
Big 5
DANGEROUS AND WILD
Leopards are among the famed Big Five, a list of animals originally defined by big-game hunters in Africa based on the difficulty and danger involved in hunting them. The leopard earned its place due to its extremely elusive, cautious, and intelligent nature. When wounded, it can become very dangerous: retreating silently into the underbrush and attacking from ambush – posing a challenging and risky situation for hunters.
Today, the term "Big Five" often represents a highlight on safari, referring to the five animals people most wish to observe in the wild. Alongside the leopard, which as a mysterious loner is often hard to spot, the group includes lions, elephants, rhinoceroses, and buffaloes.
EFFICIENT HUNTERS WITH A DIVERSE DIET
Leopards are predominantly solitary animals, renowned for their impressive ability to move almost invisibly through various habitats, pursuing a wide range of prey. Their menu includes everything from small rodents to medium-sized ungulates, complemented by birds like guinea fowls and reptiles. This dietary flexibility significantly contributes to the survival of these big cats in diverse environments.
Encounters between males and females mainly occur during mating periods. After a gestation period of about three months, the female typically gives birth to two to four cubs, which she hides in dense underbrush. Threats particularly come from other predators and rival conspecifics.
Despite their relatively wide distribution and adaptability, leopards face significant threats. Habitat loss due to human expansion, conflicts with livestock farmers, and poaching are major challenges for populations worldwide. The situation of the Amur leopard (Panthera pardus orientalis) is especially critical, with fewer than 40 individuals existing in the wild as of 2007. This low number leads to inbreeding issues, affecting genetic diversity and thus the health of the population.