The body size and color patterns of leopards vary geographically among subspecies and reflect adaptations to particular habitats.

The body size and color patterns of leopards vary geographically and probably reflect adaptations to particular habitats. Subspecies are distinguished according to unique pelage characteristics.

Savannah and woodland leopards tend to be relatively large while mountain and desert leopards tend to be relatively small.

The leopard’s coat ranges from tawny or light yellow in warm, dry habitats to reddish-orange in dense forests. The black rosettes that cover the leopard’s pelt are circular in East Africa and square in South Africa.

^{• Image | © Tambako The Jaguar, Some Rights Reserved (CC BY-ND 2.0)
• Sources | (African Wildlife Foundation, 2009; Hunt, 2011; Hunter & Hinde, 2005; Nowell & Jackson, 1996)}

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