The Leopard

Leopards (Panthera pardus) are one of the most iconic and elusive big cat species found in South Africa. They are known for their stunning beauty, adaptability, and stealthy nature. 

Leopards are highly adaptable and can be found in various habitats across South Africa, including savannas, grasslands, forests, and mountainous regions. They have a broad distribution throughout the country and are often spotted in national parks, game reserves, and even some agricultural areas.

Leopards are easily recogniSable by their striking golden-yellow coat adorned with distinctive black spots, called rosettes. Their muscular and agile bodies make them powerful climbers, capable of carrying their prey up into trees to avoid scavengers and other predators. 

Leopards are solitary and elusive creatures, making them challenging to spot in the wild. They are primarily nocturnal, preferring to hunt during the cover of darkness. These stealthy predators have a varied diet that includes antelope, small mammals, birds, and occasionally scavenged carrion. Leopards are known for their incredible strength, often hauling prey that outweighs them up into the branches of trees.