The Leopard Next Door

Except for lions, which live in prides, and cheetahs, which form male coalitions of two or three brothers, most cats are solitary. Males and females each have distinct territories that they mark and defend. Leopards are a great example of this kind of system.

- Albie Venter

Males generally have larger territories, which overlap those of the females. The only time you’ll see more than one leopard together is when a female is with her offspring or during a brief mating rendezvous. Once mating is done, the male departs and the raising of the litter is the sole responsibility of the female. After a gestation of around three months, one to three cubs are born. This is the most difficult time for the litter. Although the female leaves them in a