Vulnerable

African Leopard

Panthera pardus pardus

Vulnerable

IUCN Red List status · Population decreasing as of 2023 · Est. 70,000 individuals

About the African Leopard

The most widespread of Africa's big cats, leopards are masters of stealth and adaptability. They are solitary and nocturnal, hauling prey up trees to protect it from lions and hyenas. Habitat loss and conflict with farmers are major threats.

Region

Southern Africa

Population

70,000

Trend

Decreasing

Data Year

2023

Key Facts

Weight30–90 kg

Lifespan12–17 years

Tree-climbingCan carry 3× their weight

SpeedUp to 58 km/h

Habitat Types

SavannahForestMountainsDesert

Found In

South AfricaKenyaTanzaniaZambiaZimbabwe

Why Africa's Wildlife Matters

Africa's megafauna are not just iconic — they are ecosystem engineers. The loss of a single keystone species can trigger cascading collapses across entire biomes. Elephants create waterholes, lions regulate prey, and predators maintain the biodiversity that keeps Africa's grasslands and forests functioning.

20%

of Earth's bird species in Africa

25%

of mammals found in Africa

3,000+

endemic plant species at risk

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