Barbary leopard

The African leopard, a subspecies of leopard, is native to diverse regions of Africa. It is widely distributed across sub-Saharan Africa, although its historical range has become fragmented due to habitat loss. Over the years, naturalists have extensively studied the African leopard's taxonomy, identifying various subspecies. However, recent genetic studies reveal that all African leopard populations belong to a single subspecies, *Panthera pardus pardus*.

These leopards exhibit a range of coat colors and patterns, with a notable size difference between males and females. Male leopards can weigh up to 201 pounds, while females typically weigh between 77 and 88 pounds. They are incredibly adaptable and can thrive in a variety of environments, from mountainous forests to grasslands, and have even been observed near major cities. Their diet is equally diverse, encompassing a range of prey from small mammals to large ungulates. They are also renowned for their impressive tree-climbing abilities, which they use to hoist large kills out of the reach of scavengers.

Leopards are primarily nocturnal and display a wide array of hunting behaviors, adapting to prey availability. Their diet includes large ungulates, rodents, birds, and even primates. Despite their extensive distribution across Africa, leopards face significant threats such as habitat loss, persecution, and hunting. Conservation efforts are underway, including their listing on CITES Appendix I and protection in various national parks and reserves across Africa.