Leopards are excellent swimmers that actively hunt in the water.

Leopards (Panthera pardus) are among the most adaptable of the big cats, possessing a natural affinity for water that distinguishes them from many other feline species. While lions and cheetahs generally avoid deep water, leopards are known to swim across rivers over 300 meters wide to reach new hunting grounds or escape competition. This behavior is particularly prevalent in the Okavango Delta of Botswana and the wetlands of sub-Saharan Africa.Research published in the African Journal of Ecology has documented leopards successfully preying on aquatic animals such as tilapia and freshwater crabs. In rare instances, they have even been observed taking down small crocodiles or caimans, showcasing their strength and agility in an aquatic environment. Their muscular build and powerful limbs provide the necessary propulsion to move efficiently through the water.Beyond hunting, swimming serves as a vital thermoregulation strategy. During the peak of the dry season in regions like the Kruger National Park, temperatures can exceed 40 degrees Celsius, and leopards will submerge themselves to lower their core body temperature. This versatility allows the species to inhabit a wide range of ecosystems, from arid savannas to lush tropical rainforests and mangrove swamps.The leopard's ability to utilize water as a resource gives it a significant competitive advantage over other predators. By exploiting food sources that are unavailable to less aquatic-friendly cats, they can survive in areas with high predator density. This behavioral flexibility is a key reason why leopards have the largest geographic distribution of any wild cat in the world.