Preferred habitat:
* Forests: Dense forests provide excellent cover and abundant prey, making them ideal for leopards. This includes deciduous, evergreen, and mixed forests.
* Scrubland and grasslands: Leopards are also found in open areas like grasslands and scrubland, particularly where there are rocky outcrops and other natural shelters.
* Mountains: Some subspecies, like the Amur leopard, thrive in mountainous regions with rocky terrain and dense vegetation.
Geographic range:
The Asian leopard's range spans across a vast area, encompassing:
* South Asia: India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Pakistan
* Southeast Asia: China, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines
* Central Asia: Iran, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan
* Russia: The Amur leopard is found in the Russian Far East.
Habitat preferences within the range:
* Indian subcontinent: Leopards inhabit a wide range of habitats, including forests, grasslands, scrubland, and even human-dominated landscapes.
* Southeast Asia: Forests are crucial for these leopards, with diverse habitats like rainforests, dry deciduous forests, and mangrove forests.
* Central Asia: Mountainous regions with rocky cliffs and canyons provide suitable habitats for the Central Asian leopard.
* Amur leopard: This subspecies prefers dense forests and mountainous regions with dense undergrowth in the Russian Far East.
Key habitat features:
* Water sources: Leopards need access to water for drinking and cooling off.
* Prey availability: Abundance and diversity of prey are essential for leopard survival.
* Shelter and cover: Dense vegetation, rocky outcrops, and caves provide crucial protection from predators and the elements.
* Suitable terrain: Leopards prefer areas with varied terrain, allowing them to hunt and move easily.
Human impact:
Human activities such as deforestation, habitat fragmentation, and poaching are major threats to Asian leopard populations. Conservation efforts focus on protecting and restoring their natural habitats.
It's important to note:
* The specific habitat requirements may vary depending on the subspecies and local environmental conditions.
* Leopards are adaptable and can thrive in a variety of habitats, but certain conditions are essential for their long-term survival.