A variety of subspecies of leopards can be located or cited in the African and Asian continents. This is due to the broadest range of big cats that the leopard has, even if it is considered to be the smallest of these Big cats.

The leopard is a very captivating creature, having a sleek golden yellow coat and in it, being the dark rosettes. The leopard is addition, comprises a long tail and powerfully built limbs though they are small.
Various parks in Africa have this animal.

Though the most smallest of the Big cats, the leopard is the most adaptable and numerous environments in Africa contain this creature.

Many a time, the leopard is observed resting on tree braches and this is because it is rated the strongest climber amongst the Big cats. Unlike the African lion, the leopard is a solitary animal, which, in case of an attack from poachers, can easily and fiercely defend itself. It loves spending it’s life in areas which are forested. The leopard is a carnivore and for that matter, it is a shrewd hunter, with a prey base which is wide.

You cant miss the leopards while on safari tours with Kenya Wild Safari in Kenya, since with a sleek golden yellow coat marked with dark rosettes, this animal has a spectacular appearance.

Panthera Pardus is the Leopard’s Zoological name.

Range: River valleys and forested areas are the most preferred habitats by the leopards.
They are therefore cited in most parts in the African continent right below the
Sahara.
Mt. Kilimanjaro slopes is another area where they have been discovered.

Estimated Population: Approximately 500,000 leopards are in existence world wide,
with Africa containing the majority.
Poaching and human encroachment pose a big threat to the lives of many leopard
sub-species.

Physical characteristics: In terms of weight, leopards range from 80 to 150 pounds,
while from 3 to 8 feet long is the range of their height, inclusive of which is
their long tails.
Stocky compact bodies with short powerfully built limbs, are the components of
the leopards.
They are able to climb trees due to their shoulders and jaws, which are quite
strong. The cubs of leopards and other animals become aware of the leopard
by the white underside of it’s tail.

Habitat: Numerous environments such as tropical forests all through to semi-desert
regions, are areas where leopards are cited since of the Big cats, they are the
most adaptable. Around human settlement areas and forested boundaries are the
other places where leopards can possibly inhabit.

Diet: Shrewd and fierce hunters leopards are, due to their being carnivores. They can
even attack prey larger than themselves due to their fierceness.
Wild boar, rodents, baboons, fish, antelopes and monkeys are the main prey on which these leopards feed.
The technique used in protection of the killed prey of the leopards from such predators like hyena and lions, is by dragging them [killed prey] up to the tree branches.

Behavior: Unlike the African lions, which are not solitary hunters, leopards are.
A range over lapping the ranges of numerous female leopards is inhabited by the
male ones. In addition, many days may be spent with the females in breeding
season, by the male leopards.

A litter of 1-3 cubs may be born by the female leopards under normal circumstances. After a period of 8 weeks is when the cubs can emerge from their den and for a bout 2 years, keep their mother company.

Status: Activities such as sport, together with the fact that the leopards are regarded as
predators to livestock by farmers and certain tribes, leads to hunting and exterminating of leopards in Africa respectively.
Additionally, because of their exquisite pets, leopards are greatly hunted.
Leopard populations are in urgent need of protection since they are larger in number compared to the other Big cats.