Science & Nature • Mammals

Leopard

The leopard (*Panthera pardus*) is a large wild cat native to parts of Africa and Asia.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The leopard (Panthera pardus) is a large wild cat native to parts of Africa and Asia. It is known for its spotted coat, solitary behaviour, adaptability to many habitats, and opportunistic hunting. The species is listed as vulnerable by the IUCN, with populations declining in many areas.

Taxonomy and naming

The leopard is a member of the cat family Felidae and the genus Panthera. Its scientific name is Panthera pardus.

Description

Leopards are muscular big cats with relatively short legs, a long body, and a spotted coat made up of rosettes. Their coat is pale yellow to golden with dark rosettes, providing camouflage in varied environments.

Habitat and range

Leopards occur across parts of sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. They can live in a wide variety of habitats, including forests, savannahs, mountains, deserts, and rocky areas. Leopards are highly adaptable and also inhabit grasslands and mountainous areas.

Behaviour and diet

Leopards are solitary, stealthy predators that hunt mainly at night. They are opportunistic carnivores and will take a broad range of prey depending on availability. Their diet is varied and includes medium-sized mammals, birds, reptiles, and fish.

Conservation

The species is listed as vulnerable by the IUCN, reflecting threats such as habitat loss, conflict with humans, and hunting in some regions. Populations are declining in many areas.

Key facts

Leopards are one of the five extant species in the genus Panthera.
They have a pale yellow to golden coat with dark rosettes.
Leopards are highly adaptable and live in forests, grasslands, deserts, and mountainous areas.
They are solitary, mostly nocturnal hunters.
The species is considered vulnerable, with population declines in parts of its range.

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Canadian context

Leopards are not native to Canada, but they are commonly featured in wildlife education, zoos, and conservation discussions familiar to Canadian readers.

Frequently asked questions

What is the scientific name of the leopard?

The scientific name is Panthera pardus.

Where do leopards live?

Leopards live in parts of Africa and Asia, across habitats such as forests, grasslands, deserts, and mountains.

What do leopards eat?

Leopards are carnivores that eat a wide variety of prey, including antelope, deer, birds, reptiles, rodents, and fish.

Are leopards endangered?

Leopards are listed as vulnerable by the IUCN, not globally endangered, though some regional populations are at greater risk.

Are leopards the same as panthers?

The term "panther" is sometimes used for leopards, especially in older or regional usage, but leopard is the standard common name.

References

IFAW — https://www.ifaw.org/animals/leopards
Supports: Scientific name, range, habitat diversity, diet, and vulnerable conservation status.
PBS Nature — https://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/blog/leopard-fact-sheet/
Supports: Taxonomy within Felidae and genus *Panthera*.
Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/animal/leopard
Supports: Species identity, habitat, behaviour, and general description.
IUCN Red List — https://www.iucnredlist.org/
Supports: Conservation status of the leopard as vulnerable.