Image by Patrick Giraud, CC-BY-SA-3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
1. Tiger (Panthera tigris)
2. Lion (Panthera leo)
3. Jaguar (Panthera onca)
4. Leopard (Panthera pardus)
5. Snow Leopard (Panthera uncia)
6. Clouded Leopard (Neofelis nebulosa)
7. Sunda Clouded Leopard (Neofelis diardi)
Classification
In scientific classification (taxonomy) Leopards (Panthera pardus) belong to the big cat genus Panthera within the subfamily Pantherinae of the Felidae cat family.
Kingdom: Animalia (animals)
Phylum: Chordata (vertebrates)
Class: Mammalia (mammals)
Order: Carnivora (carnivores)
Suborder: Feliformia (cat-like)
Subfamily: Pantherinae (big cats / pantherine)
Genus: Panthera (big cats)
Species: Panthera pardus (leopard)
Subspecies:
P.p. delacouri
P.p. fusca
P.p. kotiya
P.p. melas
P.p. nimr
P.p. orientalis
P.p. pardus
P.p. tulliana
Note: The scientific name for the Leopard species, Panthera pardus, is also known as the binomial name, species name, latin name, biological name and zoological name. Some use the term 'botanical name' however that is only applicable to the plant kingdom (botany) and not the animal kingdom (zoology).
Classification Chart
This Leopard classification chart shows where the Leopard fits into the Felidae family and in particular the Panthera genus.
Permission to use for personal or educational use.
Credit: www.WildCatFamily.com.
(taxonomy prior to 2017 revision)
Subspecies (Lower Classifications)
Historically up to nine Leopard subspecies (or lower classifications) were recognized based on genetic analysis, and a further two subspecies based on morphological analysis alone (not listed here):
- Panthera pardus pardus - African Leopard
- Panthera pardus nimr - Arabian leopard (CR Critically Endangered)
- Panthera pardus saxicolor - Persian leopard (EN Endangered)
- Panthera pardus fusca - Indian leopard
- Panthera pardus kotiya - Sri Lankan leopard (EN Endangered)
- Panthera pardus melas - Javan leopard (CR Critically Endangered)
- Panthera pardus delacouri - Indochinese leopard
- Panthera pardus japonensis - North Chinese leopard (EN Endangered)
- Panthera pardus orientalis - Amur leopard (CR Critically Endangered)
As per the last Felidae taxonomy revision in 2017 the following eight subspecies of Leopards were proposed:
- Panthera pardus pardus - Africa
- Panthera pardus nimr - Arabia
- Panthera pardus tulliana - South West Asia
- Panthera pardus fusca - India
- Panthera pardus kotiya - Sri Lanka
- Panthera pardus melas - Java
- Panthera pardus delacouri - South East Asia
- Panthera pardus orientalis - Eastern Asia
Conservation
The global conservation status for leopards is Vulnerable (VU) and populations are declining (assessed 2015, published 2016 with amendments 2019 and 2020).
Some leopard subspecies have a more severe threatened status than the global status:
- Panthera pardus nimr - Arabian leopard (CR Critically Endangered 2008)
- Panthera pardus saxicolor - Persian leopard (EN Endangered 2008)
- Panthera pardus kotiya - Sri Lankan leopard (EN Endangered 2008, VU Vulnerable - assessed 2019, published 2020)
- Panthera pardus melas - Javan leopard (CR Critically Endangered 2008)
- Panthera pardus delacouri - Indochinese leopard (CR Critically Endangered - assessed 2019, published 2019)
- Panthera pardus japonensis - North Chinese leopard (EN Endangered 2008)
- Panthera pardus orientalis - Amur leopard (CR Critically Endangered 2008)
Note that the subspecies taxonomy used at the year of assessment is shown above.
An assessment of the populations in the Mediterranean region was rated as CR Critically Endangered - assessed 2008, published 2010
Leopards occur across both Africa and Asia, however in just a few decades they have lost more than 30% of their range. Although Leopards are adaptable and occupy diverse habitats at all altitudes, they are becoming critically endangered in areas that are under extreme pressure due to human expansion.
The following organizations are all fighting to conserve our beautiful leopards in the face of persecution, trophy hunting and habitat loss:
Panthera - Project Pardus - Global
African Wildlife Foundation - African Leopard
Cape Leopard Trust - South Africa
World Wildlife Fund WWF - Amur Leopard
Amur Leopard and Tiger Alliance
Please support these organizations with their important work if you can. No matter the size of your contribution, every bit helps!
Key Facts Leopards
~ Most widespread of the big cats ~
~ Melanism (black coat) common ~
~ Diverse habitats ~
Facts and Information
The Leopard has a beautiful rosette patterned coat and is the most widespread of all the big cats.
The following websites have well researched and authoritative information on Leopards:
- Leopard Status and Distribution Map - IUCN Red List
- Leopard Detailed Information - IUCN Cat Specialist Group
- Leopard Academic Literature pdf - IUCN Cat Specialist Group
- Leopard Fact Sheet pdf - Wildscreen Arkive
- Leopard Infographic - Panthera
Big Cat Documentary:
Preview The Secret Lives of Big Cats filmed using high tech starlight and thermal imaging night cameras to capture previously unrecorded behavior. The series includes seven episodes on the secret lives of Lions, Tigers, Jaguars, Leopards, Snow Leopards, Pumas and Cheetahs. Produced by CuriosityStream.
Trips to see Leopards
The following organizations offer tours to Africa or Asia where you are likely to see wild Leopards in their natural habitat. These companies offer small group experiences, support conservation projects, and indicate their trips are environmentally and ethically responsible:
Leopard Safaris - Africa
- Oryx Photo Tours – Africa Destinations
- Cat Expeditions – Big Cats Photo Tour
- Naturetrek - African Safaris
- Responsible Travel - African Safari Holidays
- Natural World Safaris - Leopard Experiences
Leopard Safaris - Asia
- Royle Safaris - Amur Leopard Photography
- Natural World Safaris – Asiatic Leopards
- Royle Safaris - Sri Lanka Wildlife
Always bear in mind that sightings of any particular animal in its natural environment are not guaranteed and the experience of guides will greatly enhance your success.
Leopard Art Prints by Barbara Keith
These stunning images are now available on various product items such as Jigsaw Puzzles, T-shirts and Phone Cases.
If the product item is not listed just contact Barbara and she can add it for you.
Images copyright Barbara Keith.
