Science

The most observed solitary big cat comprehensibly also enjoys the widest range of Africa’s big cats and hunting prospects are available across most of the Southern African countries.

Realistic body weights of male leopards range from 60 kg (132lbs) to 85kg (188lbs) however in rare instance a brute is encountered that can tip the scales.

Crepuscular behaviour, defined as primarily active during twilight ( dusk and dawn) best describes the Leopards heightened periods of activity, although a stricter nocturnal movement is more commonly adopted in areas of greater persecution.

Since the leopard does not restrict its feeding behaviour to live kills only, it is possible to lure the big cat to presented bait. Leopard scent is relatively ‘heavy’ and expert hounds can track the nocturnal travels of the elusive cat. Therefore, the leopard is hunted either OVER hounds or OVER bait. Never – with dogs – which describes the method known as coursing.

Regarded as the fiercest of the solitary big cats, the leopard is also accepted as the least likely to inflict a fatal attack.

CITES listing: Appendix I

IUCN listing: Vulnerable