How do leopards die?

Leopards (_Panthera pardus_) are one of the five extant species of the genus Panthera in the family Felidae. They are found in a wide range of habitats in sub-Saharan Africa, parts of Asia, and even a small population in Russia. As apex predators, leopards play an important role in maintaining the health of their ecosystems. While they are generally not considered endangered, their populations have been declining due to habitat loss, hunting, and the illegal wildlife trade.

Causes of leopard mortality

1. Hunting

Hunting is one of the primary causes of leopard mortality. Leopards are often hunted for their skin, which is used to make clothing and other luxury items, as well as for their body parts, which are used in traditional medicine. In some areas, leopards are also hunted as a form of pest control, as they can be a threat to livestock.

2. Habitat loss

Habitat loss is another major threat to leopards. As human populations grow, more and more of their natural habitat is being converted into farmland, residential areas, and other forms of development. This can fragment leopard populations and make it difficult for them to find food and mates.

3. Human-wildlife conflict

Human-wildlife conflict can also lead to leopard mortality. When leopards come into contact with humans, they can sometimes be killed in self-defense or as a result of retaliatory attacks.

4. Disease

Leopards can also die from a variety of diseases, including feline distemper, feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), and canine distemper. These diseases can be spread by domestic cats and dogs, as well as by other wildlife.

5. Starvation

In some cases, leopards can die from starvation. This can occur if they are unable to find enough food due to habitat loss, competition with other predators, or disease.

Conclusion

Leopards are a beautiful and majestic species, but they face a number of threats that are causing their populations to decline. By working together to protect their habitat and reduce hunting and other forms of persecution, we can help ensure that leopards will continue to thrive in the wild for generations to come.