The leopard is the smallest species of the genus Panthera but is muscular and its head, neck and forelimbs are very strong.
Photo: Vijayarajan Muthu
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Caves and rock shelters are the usual haunts of this predator. Photo: Shravna Goswami
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The leopard’s prey is generally small- to medium-sized common wild and domestic mammals, but it is adaptable as far as its food habits and habitats are concerned. Photo: Neeraj Bantia
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They can swiftly climb straight up a clean-boled tree. Photo: Neeraj Bantia
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They prefer the safety of trees where they can keep their troublesome co-predators such as tigers at bay. Photo: Indranil Paul
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The solid black melanistic colour variant of the leopard is not a different species. Photo: Manju Hegde
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Because there are a very small number of black leopards, their location is generally kept secret.
Photo: Manju Hegde
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Leopards are inherently shrewd and excellent at camouflage. Photo: Nikhil Trivedi
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They are nocturnal and generally hunt at night.
Photo: Indranil Paul
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An alert adult taking stock of its surroundings. Photo: Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun
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Leopards are prolific breeders, with a gestation period that is only three months long. Here, a mother and cub. Photo: Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun
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Generally elusive, the leopard is a great attraction for tourists. Photo: Neeraj Bantia
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