I.

Introduction

Leopard, large, agile member of the cat family known for its spotted fur, climbing skills, and secretive habits. A superbly designed predator with a long, well-muscled body, powerful limbs, and broad paws, the leopard combines the power and strength of the big cats with the grace and versatility of the smaller cats. Leopards are highly adaptable and are found over much of Africa and southern Asia, sometimes living undetected close to human settlements. The name leopard comes from the Greek words for lion (leo) and panther (pardos). “Panther” and “leopard” are names for the same kind of animal, but “panther” is most often used for a leopard born with black fur (black panther).