Habitat loss and fragmentation: Leopards require vast territories for hunting and living, but their natural habitats are being rapidly destroyed due to deforestation, urbanization, and agricultural expansion. This fragmentation isolates leopard populations and limits their ability to move freely.
Poaching and illegal trade: Leopards are hunted for their fur, body parts, and other products, which leads to poaching. They are targeted for their valuable pelts, claws, and teeth, all of which are in demand in illegal wildlife trade, further threatening their survival.
Human-wildlife conflict: Leopards sometimes prey on livestock, which can lead to conflicts with humans. This can result in leopards being killed or displaced from their habitats, contributing to population declines.
Lack of conservation efforts: In some areas, there is a lack of effective conservation measures in place to protect leopard habitats and populations. Inadequate law enforcement and limited resources for conservation can hinder efforts to combat poaching and other threats.
In summary, a combination of habitat loss, poaching, human-wildlife conflict, and insufficient conservation efforts has led to the endangered status of leopards. Conservation efforts and international cooperation are crucial to protect leopard populations and preserve their habitats.