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Leopards are one of the most adaptable big cats, capable of thriving on a wide range of prey and in diverse habitats, from lowlands to mountain tops and from deserts to jungles, across Africa and Asia. Their most distinguishing feature is a spotted coat, although a melanistic (black) form also occurs. Even in these darker individuals, the pattern of spots is visible upon close inspection. Leopards use this coat pattern as camouflage to ambush their prey. After a large kill, they often hide the carcass to return and feed on it later. In areas with abundant predators, leopards frequently use trees to secure their kills, taking advantage of their exceptional climbing abilities. Adult leopards are solitary, maintaining and hunting within large territories and communicating through scent markings. Young leopards stay with their mother for up to two years, even after weaning, to learn essential hunting skills before becoming independent. In the wild, leopards face significant threats from habitat fragmentation, human-wildlife conflicts, and illegal hunting.
