Natural shelters:
* Trees: Leopards are excellent climbers and often use tree cavities, branches, or even the canopy as a safe haven from predators and the elements.
* Rock crevices: In rocky areas, they may use caves, overhangs, or narrow crevices for shelter.
* Dense vegetation: Thickets, bushes, and tall grasses offer camouflage and protection.
* Abandoned burrows: They sometimes utilize abandoned burrows dug by other animals.
Man-made shelters:
* Abandoned buildings: Leopards have been known to inhabit abandoned houses, sheds, or other structures.
* Mineshafts and tunnels: In areas with mining activity, they may find refuge in abandoned mine shafts or tunnels.
Factors affecting shelter choice:
* Prey availability: Leopards will choose shelters near areas with abundant prey.
* Predator threats: They select shelters that offer protection from predators like lions, hyenas, and crocodiles.
* Weather conditions: During extreme heat or cold, they seek out shelters that offer shade or protection from the elements.
It's important to note that African leopards are solitary animals and typically have multiple shelters within their territory, which they use for different purposes, such as resting, raising cubs, or avoiding threats.