Leopard Population by Country 2024

Countries with the Most Leopards

Leopards (Panthera pardus) are among the most adaptable and widespread of the big cats, capable of surviving in a variety of habitats from dense forests to open savannas. However, due to habitat loss, poaching, and human-wildlife conflict, their populations have been declining. Despite these challenges, several countries continue to harbor significant populations of leopards, thanks to robust conservation efforts and extensive protected areas. Here’s a look at the countries with the most leopards:

India: India is home to one of the largest populations of leopards in the world. Estimates suggest there are about 12,000 to 14,000 leopards across the country. The dense forests, national parks, and wildlife sanctuaries provide ideal habitats for these adaptable predators. Prominent regions with substantial leopard populations include Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, and Maharashtra. The leopard’s presence is notable even in urban fringes, making them a unique case of human-wildlife coexistence. India’s conservation efforts, led by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) and various state forest departments, have been instrumental in protecting these big cats.

Tanzania: Tanzania is renowned for its rich biodiversity, and leopards are an integral part of its wildlife heritage. The country boasts a healthy population of leopards, particularly in renowned national parks such as the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater. Estimates suggest there are around 5,000 to 10,000 leopards in Tanzania, although the exact numbers are challenging to ascertain due to their elusive nature. The extensive savannas and protected areas in Tanzania provide ideal hunting grounds and habitats for leopards. The country’s commitment to wildlife conservation, through organizations like the Tanzania Wildlife Research Institute (TAWIRI), ensures that these majestic cats continue to thrive

Namibia: Namibia with its vast and varied landscapes, supports a significant population of leopards. The country’s unique geography, ranging from the Namib Desert to the savannas, provides diverse habitats for leopards. Estimates suggest there are around 5,000 to 7,500 leopards in Namibia. Namibia’s innovative conservation strategies, particularly community-based conservancies, play a crucial role in protecting leopards. These conservancies allow local communities to benefit from wildlife tourism, fostering a positive relationship between humans and wildlife.

Botswana: Botswana is another stronghold for leopards, with an estimated population of around 3,000 to 5,000 individuals. The Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park are key areas where leopards thrive. Botswana’s commitment to conservation and its robust anti-poaching laws contribute significantly to the protection of these big cats. The country’s policy of high-value, low-impact tourism ensures that wildlife habitats are preserved and that the economic benefits of tourism support conservation efforts.

South Africa: South Africa is home to a robust population of leopards, with estimates ranging from 4,000 to 5,000 individuals. The country’s diverse habitats, from the Kruger National Park to the mountainous regions of the Western Cape, offer suitable environments for leopards to thrive. South Africa’s conservation efforts are bolstered by numerous organizations and protected areas. The Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) and Panthera’s Leopard Program are key players in monitoring and conserving leopard populations.

Country-wise Leopard Population

Country	Estimated Leopard Population
Afghanistan	200 - 300
Algeria	Possibly extinct
Angola	1,000-1,500
Armenia	(7 - 13)
Azerbaijan	(10 - 20)
Bangladesh	No viable population
Benin	100-200
Bhutan	90-120
Botswana	3,000-5,000
Burkina Faso	300-400
Burundi	Possibly extinct
Cambodia	0
Cameroon	500-1,000
Central African Republic	500-1,000
Chad	100-200
China	400 - 600
China	Approximately 250-300
Congo	500-1,000
Côte d’Ivoire	200-300
Djibouti	Possibly extinct
DR Congo	1,000-2,000
Egypt	Possibly extinct
Equatorial Guinea	50-100
Eritrea	100-200
Eswatini	50-100
Ethiopia	500-1,000
Gabon	500-1,000
Gambia	Possibly extinct
Ghana	100-200
Guinea	100-200
Guinea-Bissau	50-100
India	13,874
Indonesia	319
Iran	550 - 850
Iraq	(10 - 20)
Kenya	2,000-2,500
Lesotho	Not available
Lesotho	Not available
Liberia	100-200
Libya	Possibly extinct
Malawi	200-300
Malaysia	Around 200-400
Mali	100-200
Mauritania	Not available
Morocco	50-100
Mozambique	2,000-3,000
Myanmar	< 150
Namibia	5,000-7,500
Nepal	1,000
Niger	100-200
Nigeria	Not available
North Korea	< 10
Oman	30
Pakistan	250-300
Russia	120
Rwanda	50-100
Saudi Arabia	< 10
Senegal	100-200
Sierra Leone	100-200
Somalia	300-500
South Africa	4,000-5,000
South Sudan	500-1,000
Sri Lanka	700 - 950
Sudan	1,000-2,000
Tanzania	5,000-10,000
Thailand	200-300
Togo	50-100
Tunisia	Not available
Tunisia	Not available
Turkey	(10 - 15)
Turkmenistan	80 - 100
Uganda	300-400
Yemen	70-100
Zambia	1,000-1,500
Zimbabwe	1,500-2,500

Leopard Population Decline

Leopard populations have fluctuated significantly over the past century due to various factors such as habitat loss, poaching, and human-wildlife conflict. Here’s a rough estimate of global leopard population trends over the years:

Year	Estimated Leopard Population
1,900	~800,000 - 1,000,000+
1,910	~780,000 - 980,000
1,920	~760,000 - 960,000
1,930	~740,000 - 940,000
1,940	~720,000 - 920,000
1,950	~700,000 - 900,000
1,960	~680,000 - 880,000
1,970	~650,000 - 850,000
1,980	~600,000 - 800,000
1,990	~500,000 - 700,000
2,000	~400,000 - 600,000
2,010	~250,000 - 500,000
2,020	~100,000 - 300,000
2,030	~50,000 - 250,000 (projected)

Leopard Population by Subspecies

Leopards are divided into several subspecies, each adapted to different environments and facing unique conservation challenges. Here are the primary subspecies and their estimated populations:

Subspecies	Estimated Population	Regions Found
African Leopard	~50,000 - 100,000	Sub-Saharan Africa
Indian Leopard	~12,000 - 14,000	India
Amur Leopard	~84	Russian Far East, Northeast China
Arabian Leopard	< 200	Arabian Peninsula (Saudi Arabia, Oman, Yemen)
Javan Leopard	~250-300	Java, Indonesia
Sri Lankan Leopard	~700-950	Sri Lanka
Indochinese Leopard	~973	Southeast Asia (Thailand, Malaysia, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar)
North Chinese Leopard	~300-400	Northern China
Persian Leopard	~871-1,290	Iran, Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Turkey

Conservation Efforts

Leopard conservation efforts are multifaceted, focusing on habitat preservation, anti-poaching initiatives, and community engagement. Organizations such as Panthera and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) play crucial roles in these efforts. Panthera’s Leopard Program works across multiple continents to monitor leopard populations, mitigate human-wildlife conflict, and establish wildlife corridors that allow leopards to roam freely and safely between protected areas. These initiatives are vital in regions like Africa and India, where human encroachment and agricultural expansion pose significant threats to leopard habitats.

In addition to these large-scale initiatives, local conservation projects are making strides in protecting leopards. For instance, in Namibia, community-based conservancies empower local populations to benefit economically from wildlife tourism while actively participating in conservation efforts. In India, the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) also oversees leopard conservation, implementing measures such as anti-poaching patrols and habitat restoration. These combined efforts are essential to ensure that leopards continue to thrive in the wild, addressing both immediate threats and long-term conservation goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the current global leopard population?
- The global leopard population is estimated to be between 50,000 and 100,000 individuals, though accurate counts are challenging due to their elusive nature and wide distribution.
Which country has the largest population of leopards?
- India has one of the largest populations of leopards, with estimates ranging from 12,000 to 14,000 individuals.
Where can leopards be found today?
- Leopards can be found across sub-Saharan Africa, parts of Asia including India and China, and small populations in the Arabian Peninsula, though their range has significantly reduced from historical distributions.