The common leopard, among the seven great cats, is an elusive large carnivore. Being extremely sharp predators, these species are able to adapt to various habitats and environmental conditions. Details about the status of common leopards are not sufficiently documented, owing to very limited studies on the species in the country.

However, it is true that the number of common leopards is significantly higher compared to the other cat species present in Pakistan. Recently known localities of the common leopard in Pakistan include Ayubia National Park, Manglot Wildlife Park, Dareen, Toreshore, Zari, Khalifat range, and Penchar.

These animals are continuously extending their home ranges due to severe human conflicts and climatic changes. A recent SLF study reported common leopard’s presence in Hunza, Gilgit Baltistan, within a glaciated part of the region that is out of the species’ usual distribution range.

Threats to Common Leopard

Main threats to common leopards are degradation and fragmentation of the habitats, shortage of food species, shooting out of excitement or fear, overexploitation, hunting-and-gathering of parts for illegal trade, being conceived as an enemy species, and killed in retaliation for attacks on livestock. Research to evaluate the status of the food species, state of the remaining habitat, status of the wild populations and census of the species, especially in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is recommended. In addition, funding for research and conservation is crucial.