African leopards are probably the most common of the leopard subspecies that has a minimal conservation concern.

They are widely seen in Africa particularly in the mountainous forests, grasslands, and even the savannas with the exception of the extreme sandy deserts. However, they would prefer the undisturbed rainforest where they can freely hunt their prey and escape from the hands of humans.

Graceful and Powerful

Many are impressed with the leopards' exquisite grace being exuded, and many are in awe with its beauty.

The different colors and patterns, all depending on its habitat is just so amazing making it such a pleasant sight to embrace.

In the summer heat, they can be seen in caves or draped freely over a branch of a tree.

Physical Charactersitics

The physical characteristic of leopards may vary depending on its habitat or location. Their coat colors can range from reddish brown, dark yellow, or even cream, depending on where they are found.

They are covered with black rosettes with no spots where the pattern is unique in every individual.

Those found in the East Africa have a more circular spot, while in the Southern Africa, African leopards have square spots. Male leopards are distinctly heavier and larger than the females.

They prefer to live in solitude, and it is very unlikely that they would be seen in groups or flocks. But even one leopard can definitely compensate the satisfaction and significant feeling it gives to humans.

Hunting for Survival

This animal is born to survive, which is why the food taken in by African leopards may vary.

They can eat rodents, insects, reptiles, mammals, and if the food is scarce, they can also take in domestic livestock. They are considered the most remarkable hunters, and they are so strong that they can even carry their prey more than what they actually weigh way up to the trees to keep it protected from scavengers.

They do not hunt until it gets dark because they are nocturnal animals; however, they can be opportunists too. If the need arises, they can hunt even during day time.

They move with caution and would stalk the target prey and run to them in short distances at a top speed of 37 miles/hour killing them by suffocation with the aid of their tough jaws.

It is very rare that African leopards fight with other predators for food because they are afraid of getting injuries and thus prevent them from hunting. They need water to survive, but sometimes they get them from the prey itself.

The Cubs

It takes around a hundred days of gestation before two or three cubs are born to female leopards.

For the first two months, the cubs are hidden and are continued to be suckled up to its third month. They are occasionally transferred in order to protect them from other predators.

It is not until they are in their fourth month that the mother starts to let them go for hunting.

The cubs stay with the family for up to two years; and when they begin to be weaned, starting off with hunting small animals first.

Scientific Classification of the African Leopard

Leopard Subspecies

There are at least 7 other leopard subspecies, several with their natural habitats outside Africa.

Another subspecies, the Barbary Leopard, Panthera pardus panthera, is also found in Africa, in the Atlas Mountains of northwest Africa (Morocco). Although it resembles the East African leopard, it has a thicker coat due to its snowy, mountainous home. They are on the endangered species list.

The Zanzibar leopard is now believed to be extinct, unfortunately.

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