Leopards are the most widely distributed big cats on Earth.

The leopard (Panthera pardus) has the largest range of any wild cat, spanning across much of Africa and parts of Asia. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), their historic range covered nearly 35 million square kilometers. This adaptability is largely due to their opportunistic hunting behavior and ability to thrive on over 90 different prey species.Leopards are found in extreme climates, from the Russian Far East where the Amur leopard survives sub-zero temperatures to the Kalahari Desert where they endure intense heat. They are also uniquely capable of living in close proximity to human settlements. Research published in journals like 'Biological Conservation' highlights that leopards can persist in fragmented landscapes where other large predators have gone extinct.Their physical versatility is a key factor in this wide distribution. Leopards are powerful climbers and often haul heavy carcasses into trees to protect them from scavengers like hyenas. This behavioral trait allows them to coexist with larger predators in various ecosystems. Despite their resilience, their range has declined by approximately 63% to 75% over the last century due to habitat loss and poaching.