Leopards are predominantly nocturnal and very covert by nature. They are extremely difficult to spot. Their prey ranges from rats to fully-grown wildebeest. Baboons rank high on their preference list. They lie in ambush or stalk their prey and then pounce on it. They are extremely efficient hunters. However it has been reported that leopards have been killed by baboons when they have rashly attempted to snatch a baboon from a troop in broad daylight. When this happens, a number of adult male baboons usually go to the aid of the victim and attack the leopard.

In spite of its elusiveness, the leopard is a bold and courageous animal that will not hesitate to attack when cornered or in danger. It is said that it will attack humans encountered in the bush, more readily than a lion.

Leopards do not roar - they make coarse grunting sounds, growl and snarl.

Gestation is about 150 days and there are usually 1-3 cubs born. The mother hides her cubs for a number of weeks before they accompany her. Cubs left alone by the mother could fall prey to hyena, wild dogs and even lion.

Poaching poses a problem to the survival of the leopard. However, their population is probably at a stable level at the moment.

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