Panthera pardus

Length: 104-140 cm (41-55") female 130-190 cm (51-75") male

Tail: 60-110 cm (24-43")

Weight: 28-60 kg (62-132 lb.) female, 35-90 kg (77-198 lb.) male

Status: rare, but not endangered

Habitat: Leopards are found in areas where there is heavy cover and broken terrain. They have the greatest habitat range of any African cat. They can be found in rainforests, deserts, mountain tops and grasslands. Leopards have adapted well to the presence of humans.

Role: carnivore

Food: Leopards eat a wide variety of animals ranging in size from small mammals to medium size antelope. Even in areas like the Serengeti-Mara where there are large antelope populations, these animals will make up less than 15% of their diet. Birds, rodents, hyraxes and even insects make up the majority of their prey. Leopards eat whatever is most available and easily caught. In size, their prey ranges from beetles to animals three times the leopard’s own weight.

Predators: Lions and spotted hyenas will chase a leopard off its kill. Lions will kill leopards.