Leopards require large, contiguous areas of habitat in order to survive. However, their habitat is increasingly being destroyed and fragmented by human activities, such as logging, agriculture, and infrastructure development. This makes it difficult for leopards to find food, mates, and shelter, and increases their vulnerability to hunting and persecution.
Hunting and poaching
Leopards are hunted and poached for their fur, meat, and other body parts. The illegal trade in leopard skins is a major threat to the species, and it is estimated that thousands of leopards are killed each year for this purpose.
Human-wildlife conflict
As human populations grow and encroach on leopard habitats, conflict between humans and leopards is becoming increasingly common. Leopards may kill livestock or attack people, resulting in retaliation by humans. This can lead to leopards being killed or injured, and it can also make it difficult for conservationists to work in these areas.
Climate change
Climate change is also having a negative impact on leopard populations. As the climate changes, leopard habitats are changing too. This can make it difficult for leopards to find food and shelter, and it can also increase their vulnerability to disease.
Other threats
Other threats to leopards include:
Diseases: Leopards are susceptible to a number of diseases, such as feline panleukopenia, feline leukemia, and rabies. These diseases can spread quickly through leopard populations, causing significant declines.
Pollution: Leopards can be poisoned by pollutants in their environment, such as pesticides, herbicides, and heavy metals. These pollutants can accumulate in leopard tissues, causing health problems and even death.
Competition with other species: Leopards compete with other predators for food, such as lions, tigers, and hyenas. In areas where these other predators are more abundant, leopards may be at a competitive disadvantage.