The African Leopard

Rating: Vulnerable

- Lisa Greeff

The magnificent leopard, their coats covered in black rosettes and spotted patterns are powerfully built and the second largest of the big cats found in South Africa. This magnificent predator is diurnal and nocturnal, meaning they are less active during the hotter hours of the day, with an activity peak at night. They are also solitary and defend their territory range. Dr David Mills, the Endangered Wildlife Trust Carnivore Conservation Program Manager, gave us some insight and information about this amazing animal.

It is currently estimated that there are between 2 813 and 1 632 leopards in South Africa. Of these, the bulk lives in the bushveld of the north and east of the country (Kruger National Park, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, and North West Provinces). It is difficult to calculate precise densities.

The leopard is classified as Vulnerable both in the southern African region and globally. Habitat loss and direct persecution by farmers and for local and international wildlife trade have led to severe declines in their population. This led to their global up-listing on the IUCN Red List in 2016 from Near Threatened to Vulnerable and their up-listing in South Africa from Least Concern to Vulnerable.