The leopard (Panthera pardus) is one of five extant big cat species in the genus Panthera. Known for its pale yellow to dark golden fur marked with dark rosette patterns, the leopard has a slender, muscular body reaching 92-183 cm (36-72 in) in length with a 66-102 cm (26-40 in) tail and 60-70 cm (24-28 in) shoulder height. Males typically weigh 30.9-72 kg (68-159 lb) while females weigh 20.5-43 kg (45-95 lb), although some can get much bigger. First described scientifically in 1758, several leopard subspecies were proposed in the 19th and 20th centuries, but today only eight subspecies are recognized across the species’ wide range in Africa and Asia. The leopard initially evolved in Africa during the Early Pleistocene before migrating into Eurasia around the Early-Middle Pleistocene transition, though it was formerly present across Europe until extinction there at the end of the Late Pleistocene-early Holocene.

8 Subspecies

Subspecies	Distribution
African leopard (P. p. pardus)	It is the most widespread leopard subspecies and is native to most of Sub-Saharan Africa.
Indian leopard (P. p. fusca)	It occurs in the Indian subcontinent, Myanmar and southern Tibet. It is listed as Near Threatened.
Javan leopard (P. p. melas)	It is native to Java in Indonesia and has been assessed as Endangered in 2021.
Arabian leopard (P. p. nimr)	It is the smallest leopard subspecies and considered endemic to the Arabian Peninsula. As of 2023, the population was estimated to comprise 100–120 individuals in Oman and Yemen; it was therefore assessed as Critically Endangered in 2023.
P. p. tulliana	It occurs from eastern Turkey and the Caucasus to the Iranian Plateau and the Hindu Kush into the western Himalayas. It is listed as Endangered.The Balochistan leopard population in the south of Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan is separated from the northern population by the Dasht-e Kavir and Dasht-e Lut deserts.
Amur leopard (P. p. orientalis)	It is native to the Russian Far East and northern China, but is locally extinct in the Korean peninsula.
Indochinese leopard (P. p. delacouri)	It occurs in mainland Southeast Asia and southern China, and is listed as Critically Endangered.
Sri Lankan leopard (P. p. kotiya)	It is native to Sri Lanka and listed as Vulnerable.

The leopard has the widest range of all wild cats, found across Africa, the Caucasus, and Asia, though populations are fragmented and dwindling. The leopard is thought to be locally extinct in North Africa. It primarily inhabits savanna, rainforest, grasslands, woodlands, and riverine forests that remain largely undisturbed. In sub-Saharan Africa, leopard numbers are still substantial and they persist in marginal habitats where other large cats have vanished. There is significant potential for human-leopard conflict since leopards frequently prey on livestock.

The Leopard of Rudraprayag and the Panar Leopard, two notorious man-eaters in India, were responsible for the deaths of over 125 and 400 people. Both leopards were eventually shot by British hunter Jim Corbett. Another deadly man-eater, known as the spotted devil of Gummalapur, killed approximately 42 people in Karnataka before it was stopped.

Hunting

Contrary to some misinformed opinions, leopards are not an endangered species. Globally, certain groups like uninformed environmentalists, anti-hunting advocates, and animal rights organizations wrongly claim they are fighting to save the African leopard by banning trophy hunting. However, prohibiting leopard hunting would not protect leopards. Instead, it would undermine effective wildlife management programs that actually help conserve leopard populations. Banning hunting based on misinformation and flawed logic will not save leopards.

When hunting the big five African game animals, the leopard remains a firm favorite of dangerous game hunters worldwide. The leopard is considered an exceptional trophy and remains one of the most popular cats to target during a game hunting safari.

The leopard is one of the Big 5 hunted in Africa, along with the lion, rhino, elephant, and Cape buffalo. The Dangerous 7 include the Big 5, Nile crocodile, and the rhinoceros. Hunting and harvesting any of these magnificent animals remains extremely difficult and is often seen as a rite of passage for seasoned hunters during a hunting safari.

Leopard hunting in Africa utilizes various methods, with baiting, hounds, and stalking being common techniques. Baiting entails situating a carcass or other lure where leopards dwell and anticipating their arrival. Additionally, hounds can track and corner leopards, enabling hunters to shoot. Stalking requires stealthily pursuing leopards in their natural environment and shooting from afar. The chosen hunting method depends on the hunter’s preferences and local laws and conservation factors.

Leopards often prowl through open areas like riverbeds and roads, where thick vegetation or rocky outcroppings give them secure daytime retreats and good ambush points for hunting. Because of the leopards’ elusive nature, successful hunters will spend at least 14 days tracking them in their habitat.

Baiting is the most common leopard hunting method because it is cheaper and permits are more readily available in more countries. The hunter and professional hunter (PH) wait in a blind, typically at dusk, at least 50 yards from the bait. Note the leopard’s position on the bait and follow your PH’s advice on shot placement. Experienced hunters say, “If you hear the leopard hit the ground, you’ve made a good shot.” The most common mistake is miscalculating the upward angle of the shot, as you are usually aiming up into a tree. Compensate by aiming slightly lower than your instinct suggests. If you don’t you may quickly realize why this is one of the most dangerous hunts in the world.

Hunting in Africa is not for the fainthearted, and a trophy such as a leopard is a major accomplishment for any hunter. They are agile, excellent at camouflage, and a worthy opponent to hunt. For many, hunting the big five African game animals and harvesting them remains one of the pinnacles of hunting rewards and experiences.

Leopards can be legally hunted in several African countries, but regulations frequently change, so research your destination thoroughly. The most stable hunting locations are Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Namibia, and Mozambique. However, South Africa, Zambia, and Ethiopia sometimes have hunting closures or limited quotas. Before booking your hunt, ensure your outfitter has an available Leopard quota for the season, required permits, and a solid reputation for wildlife conservation.

According to Rowland Ward Ltd, the biggest leopard hunted had a skull measured 19 inches even or 48.3cm.

Check out what hunts are available below in our hunting directory