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leopard.
Leopards occupy more habitat types than any other wild big cat, yet many populations are declining or isolated. Their adaptability includes living near people, which can also increase conflict.
Appearance
A muscular cat with a long tail and dark rosettes on a gold-to-tawny coat. Melanistic leopards appear black, though their rosettes remain visible in suitable light.
Behaviour
Mostly solitary and often active from dusk through night. Leopards are strong climbers and may carry prey into trees where competition is intense.
Diet
An opportunistic carnivore taking prey from small vertebrates to medium-sized ungulates.
Habitat
Uses forests, savannas, mountains, scrub and some human-modified landscapes.
Distribution
Occurs in parts of sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East and Asia, with major gaps across its former range.
