36 Amazing Leopard Facts

By James Israelsen, Associate Writer

Published May 16, 2022Updated January 31, 2025

Due to variations in spot patterns, scientists consider there to be nine different sub-species of leopard._[7]
The term "black panther" refers to both panthers and leopards that have melanism, a condition causing their coats to be completely black._[1]
Leopards that live in the wild are only found in regions of Africa and Asia._[1]
Black leopards make up around eleven percent of all leopards._[1]
The philosopher Aristotle wrote that in all animal species, the male is more aggressive than the female—with the exception of bears and leopards._[6]
Snow leopards are currently so rare that photographers in Asia must hike to elevations of over 12,000 feet, in the dead of winter, to catch even a glimpse of them._[6]
The average adult leopard's tail is between 3.5 and 4.5 feet long (1 to 1.3 meters)._[5]
Black leopards appear to be a single shade of black; in reality, their coats exhibit the same rosette-spot pattern as regular leopards, but in two shades of black._[1]
Leopards are so comfortable lounging in the branches of trees that they sometimes take their kills up with them to keep them safe from other predators._[5]

The beautiful snow leopard fits perfectly in its mountainous environment

Snow leopards live in the mountains of central Asia._[3]
Leopards sometimes hunt from the branches of trees; their spots blend in with the leaves, keeping them camoflauged from their prey until they are ready to pounce._[5]
Leopards have been known to attack dogs and humans when there are settlements near their habitat._[5]
Leopards mostly hunt at night and usually hunt alone._[5]
Antelope, deer, and pigs are common leopard prey._[5]
Natural swimmers, leopards sometimes hunt fish or crabs._[5]
Most leopard pregnancies result in twin cubs._[5]
Leopards are endangered, especially those that live outside of Africa._[5]
Newborn leopard cubs are gray, with very faint spots._[5]
Leopard mothers raise their cubs until they are two years old._[5]

Like many mammals, mother leopards are devoted to their cubs

The spots on a leopard's coat are called rosettes because of their similarity to the shape of a rose._[5]
Although they prefer other mammals like gazelles, leopards will also eat insects, reptiles, and birds if they have to._[4]
Adult leopards weigh between 66 and 176 pounds (30 to 80 kgs)._[5]
Leopards are close relatives of jaguars, lions, and tigers._[5]

Like most cats, leopards are stealthy killers

Scientists have nicknamed the Amur leopard the "Silent Killer" because they are so effective at stalking their prey._[2]
Due to poaching and the loss of their natural habitat, Amur leopards are one of the rarest species of wild cat in the world._[2]
The Land of the Leopard National Park, established in 2012, is a 647,000-acre leopard refuge that runs along the Chinese and Russian border in Asia._[2]
Of the five types of big cats—lions, tigers, leopards, cheetahs, and jaguars—leopards are the the shortest, though they are heavier than cheetahs._[4]
Each leopard's spot pattern is unique, like a human fingerprint, allowing individual leopards to be identified._[4]
Leopards are capable of adapting to a variety of habitats, so they can be found in savannahs, rain forests, mountains, and deserts._[4]
Part of the reason for the reduction in leopard populations is human encroachment upon their habitats, including kills by farmers protecting their livestock._[4]
Leopards are sometimes poached for use in African and Asian medicines and religious rituals._[4]
Before giving birth, snow leopard mothers must search among their mountain habitats to find a den that will protect their cubs from the ice and snow._[3]
Before the animal now known as the leopard was discovered, cheetahs were known by the name of leopard._[7]
Between 1750 and 2019, leopards around the world lost 75% of their former territory._[7]
In Africa, baboons are common predators of leopards._[1]
With more than 700,000 alive today, African leopards are currently the most populous subspecies of leopard in the world._[7]