They’re fierce, fast and fur-ocious – join National Geographic Kids as we check out these amazing leopard facts!

Leopard facts

1. Most leopards are light coloured and have dark spots on their fur. These spots are called “rosettes” because their shape is similar to that of a rose. There are also black leopards, too, whose spots are hard to see because their fur is so dark.

2. Leopards can be found in various places around the world – they live in Sub-Saharan Africa, northeast Africa, Central Asia, India and China.

3. Leopards are fast felines and can run at up to 58km/h! They’re super springy, too, and can leap 6m forward through the air – that’s the length of three adults lying head to toe!

You'll love our educational magazines for all ages! is written on the post, which shows a Nat Geo Kids Special Issue called Wild Cats! with a lion on the cover

4. Leopards are very solitary and spend most of their time alone. They each have their own territory, and leave scratches on trees, urine scent marks and poop to warn other leopards to stay away! Males and females will cross territories, but only to mate.

5. These big cats have a varied diet and enjoy different kinds of grub. They eat bugs, fish, antelope, monkeys, rodents, deer…in fact, pretty much any prey that is available!

6. Leopards are skilled climbers, and like to rest in the branches of trees during the day. They are strong beasts, too, and can carry their heavy prey up into the trees so that pesky scavengers, such as hyenas, don’t steal their meal!

7. Nocturnal animals, leopards are active at night when they venture out in search for food. They mostly spend their days resting, camouflaged in the trees or hiding in caves.

8. When it comes to hunting for food, these big cats know their stuff! When a leopard spots a potential meal, it approaches with legs bent and head low, so as not to be seen. It then stalks its prey carefully and quietly, until it’s five to ten metres within range. Then…. pounce! The leopard dashes forward and takes down its victim with a bite to the throat or neck. Small prey, such as small birds or mice, will receive a fatal blow from the feline’s paw. Ouch!

9. Female leopards give birth any time of the year – when they do, they usually give birth to two or three cubs. Mothers stay with their cubs until they are about two years old, when they are old enough to hunt and take care of themselves.

10. Leopards communicate with each other through distinctive calls. For instance, when a male wants to make another leopard aware of his presence, he’ll make a hoarse, raspy cough. They also growl when angry and, like domestic cats, purr when happy and relaxed. Cute, eh?

Love reading about big cats? Then be sure to check out our other fab feline features

Images ⓒ Getty Images
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  • logen

    these facts are cool

  • adeline

    This is nice!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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    I really liked it these facts

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    really liked liked the words and points you used.

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    I had a dream with baby leopards

  • Callum

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    lol wow

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    Thanks for the facts!

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    I love leopards so much! I was soooo EXCITED when they came out at HAMILTON ZOO! LOVE Leah

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    So interesting!learningful too!

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    awesome!

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    Your facts are really interesting. My brother and I like reading your magazines.

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    Wow they are amazing little creatures well I should say big and fierce

  • Claire

    Best site ever

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    i love leapords

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    I like leopards beacase they are really cute

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    leopard cubs are adorable say yesiris if you agree

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    Leopards are soft and fast. THEY ARE THE BEST.

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    so cool!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • Sophie

    i love leopards

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    Leopards are so interesting!

  • Rose

    I love the cat family!

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    leopards are awesome!

  • stranger_123

    can you do something about Amur Leopards cos my freind loves them :)

  • Emma

    love big cat's

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    Leopards are so awesome and fast and so cool

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    leopards are the best no animal can jump like leopards

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    the leopard fact were awesome.

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    Im in leopards class

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    Nice. I like leopards. Theyre my favourite animals.

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    My favorite animal is a leopard. I like big cats. Which animal is YOUR favorite?

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    I love leopards!

  • Ca

    The cubs are sooooooooo cute!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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    Omg so cute

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    this is really cool facts

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    i see you:)

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    Wow love the pics

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    it was amazing i could read it all 1090 times

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    I love wild creatures especially wolves an d leopards

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    Wow amazing I didnt know they could communicate

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    I love leopards

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    nice

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    awsome

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    I hate this!!!!!!!!!!!!its so annoying

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    Epic

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    The facts taught me a lot!

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    Bob

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    LOL How long do they live though?

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    The facts taught me so much!

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    cool :D

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    love all cats big and fierce or small and cute

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    I love this website

  • Save.the.animals

    I love these facts. I am very pashionate about big cats

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    I LOVE LEOPARDS

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    COOL

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    it is so cool lol

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    10000 million love leopards

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    Very interesting! I have to say I learnt a thing or two! Thank you for sharing information on these beautiful cats!

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    WOW these facts are great!

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    I love leopards!!!

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    This is PAWSOME I really do love leopards oh also this helped me with my presentation for school thank you Ng kids

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    I love big cats every one of them leopards tigers lions snow leopards and everything I like meerkats aswell . Lol!

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    I like leapords

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    leopards are awsome

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    I love leopards great info

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    I LOVE LEOPARDS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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