Leopards are the only big cats that can climb down trees headfirst.

The leopard (Panthera pardus) possesses a unique anatomical adaptation in its hind limbs that distinguishes it from other members of the Panthera genus like lions or tigers. Their talus and calcaneus bones in the ankle joint are structured to allow for extreme rotational flexibility. This physiological trait enables the leopard to rotate its hind paws by nearly 180 degrees, allowing the claws to engage with the tree bark even when the animal is oriented downward.This evolutionary advantage is critical for the leopard's survival strategy of 'caching' prey. By hauling carcasses weighing up to three times their own body weight into the high canopy, they protect their food from scavengers like hyenas and lions. Studies published in the Journal of Zoology highlight that this climbing proficiency is supported by powerful scapular muscles and a long, heavy tail used for precision balancing during vertical movement.While the Margay (a small wild cat) is also famous for this ability, the leopard is the only 'big cat' capable of such a feat. This agility allows them to hunt and navigate in three-dimensional environments where other large predators cannot follow. Observations in South Africa's Kruger National Park have documented leopards descending vertical trunks at high speeds to ambush prey or avoid threats, demonstrating a level of arboreal mastery unmatched by any other large feline.