Leopards are solitary by nature and are extremely territorial. During the day they lie in secluded spots or in high branches of trees, and are generally most active during sunrise and sunset. Leopards are masters of camouflage, moving quietly and slyly through the bushes and jumping on their prey from close quarters. They are agile and climb trees readily and easily.

Sometimes the prey is dragged high into a tree and left there for a future meal. Leaving dead prey in the forked branches of a tree also keeps it safe from carrion eaters and other carnivores. The prey may be pounced upon from a branch, or ambushed on the ground, usually in thick cover. Leopards hunt principally by sight. The prey is usually held tightly by the limbs, followed by a bite to the neck or to the back of the head. Leopards are cunning animals, typically silent and the very epitome of the cat family. They can swim like the other large cats.

Diet

Leopards are carnivorous animals and are the most successful hunters in the cat family. They are nocturnal hunters, and seek smaller prey than the lion or tiger. They will kill and eat a wide range of animals including zebras, antelopes, giraffes, domestic animals and man. Their diet also includes rodents, monkeys, ground birds, frogs and fish. The leopard has an amazing ability to adapt to changes in prey availability and has a very broad diet. Small prey is taken when large ones are limited, and this dietary flexibility allows the leopard to compete successfully with other large predators. When there are numerous carnivores competing for the same prey, the leopard will stash its kill in the trees or drag the carcass hundreds of metres from the kill site to dense vegetation or a rock crevice to eat at leisure.

Adaptations

The teeth are adapted for piercing and cutting flesh. Leopards have retractable claws and sensitive whiskers. Their eyes are set for stereoscopic vision giving them good distance judgement. Their habit of resting in trees allows them to both remain inconspicuous and to surprise unsuspecting prey. Their tree climbing ability also helps them to store kills for future meals and avoid losing prey to carrion-eaters. Their adaptable diet also enables them to successfully compete with other carnivores.