Definition & Meaning of "leopard"

What is a "leopard"?

The leopard (Panthera pardus) is a large and powerful big cat known for its striking spotted coat, elusive nature, and remarkable adaptability. Leopards have a lithe and muscular body, a broad head, and powerful jaws. Their coat is typically golden or tawny with distinctive black spots, arranged in a rosette pattern, providing excellent camouflage in various habitats. Leopards are known for their exceptional stalking and ambush abilities, allowing them to be skilled hunters capable of taking down a wide range of prey, from small rodents to large ungulates. They are solitary and elusive animals, often preferring to hunt during the night, and are known for their stealth and adaptability to a wide range of habitats, including forests, grasslands, mountains, and deserts. Leopards are found in various parts of Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, and are considered a vulnerable species due to habitat loss, poaching, and other threats. They are revered for their beauty, strength, and elusive nature, and have been an important cultural symbol in many societies throughout history.