Leopards are a species, and they can have different coat variations. The term "black leopard" often refers to a melanistic leopard, which is a leopard with an abundance of melanin, causing its fur to appear black.
A melanistic leopard's lifespan is the same as a regular leopard:
* In the wild: 10-12 years
* In captivity: 12-17 years
Their lifespan can be affected by factors like:
* Habitat: Availability of food, water, and shelter
* Predation: Leopards are preyed upon by larger animals
* Disease: They can be susceptible to various diseases
* Human activity: Poaching, habitat loss, and conflict with humans can shorten their lifespans.