Kinds Of Leopards

Leopards are large cats that are closely related to tigers, lions and jaguars. There are numerous types of leopards that inhabit different areas of the world. Many leopard species are endangered because of the threat they pose to local inhabitants as well as for their valued pelts.

  1. Clouded Leopard

    • The clouded leopard (Neofelis nebulosa) lives in the Himalayas, southern China, and Taiwan to the Malaysia peninsula, according to the Smithsonian National Zoological Park. These leopards generally weigh around 28 pounds. A typical length for a clouded leopard is 36 inches. Clouded leopards prefer to eat birds, pigs, goats, deer, cattle and porcupine. Due to interest in the clouded leopard's pelt for ceremonial activities in Taiwan, the animal is on the World Conservation Union's Red List of Threatened Animals.

    Amur Leopard

    • The amur leopard (Panthera pardus orientalis) lives in temperate forests in far eastern Russia and northern China. As of August 2011, there were fewer than 50 amur leopards, 12 of which inhabit Primorsky Province in Russia, between the Chinese border and the Sea of Japan. Amur leopards prefer solitude and are nocturnal animals. These animals hide leftover prey so other predators cannot finish the meal. Adult male amur leopards are typically between 70 and 105 pounds while adult females average between 55 and 95 pounds.

    Snow Leopard

    • As of August 2011, there were approximately 3,500 to 7,000 snow leopards (Panthera uncia) in the world, with an additional 600 to 700 in zoos. Wild snow leopards live in areas like Central Asia in countries like Afghanistan, Russia, Tajikstan, Mongolia and China. Snow leopards have traits that help them survive in cold and mountainous habitats, such as an enlarged nasal cavity and "short forelimbs with large paws for walking on snow," according to the Snow Leopard Trust. These leopards are typically light gray with dark gray spots.

    Black Leopard

    • Black leopards are also called black panthers, and the name fits. While most leopards have variation in color due to streaks or spots, the black leopard is almost entirely solid black. Upon close inspection, it becomes apparent that the black leopard's fur is often a very dark brown. Black leopards are mostly found in tropical rainforests located in South and Southeast Asia.