Indian Leopard (Panthera pardus fusca): Facts, Size, Habitat & Where to See in India
Quick Answer
The indian leopard (Panthera pardus fusca) is a mammal listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN. Golden coat covered in rosettes (dark rings with no central spot), long tail, often seen on trees or rocks. Typical weight: males roughly 50–75 kg; females 30–40 kg. India: 13,874 (2022 estimate, range 12,616–15,132). In Central India it lives in both Tadoba and Pench; the best time to see it is winter and summer mornings on quieter routes; in Tadoba the Pangdi–Kolsa side is known for leopards, including melanistic sightings.
- Scientific name
- Panthera pardus fusca
- IUCN status
- Vulnerable
- Weight
- Males roughly 50–75 kg; females 30–40 kg
- Lifespan
- About 12–15 years in the wild
- Local name
- Bibat (Marathi), Tendua / Guldar (Hindi)
Highlights
- Golden coat covered in rosettes (dark rings with no central spot), long tail, often seen on trees or rocks.
- A flexible carnivore taking prey from small mammals to deer, depending on availability.
- India: 13,874 (2022 estimate, range 12,616–15,132). Maharashtra: 1,985, second only to Madhya Pradesh.
- Best time to see: Winter and summer mornings on quieter routes; in Tadoba the Pangdi–Kolsa side is known for leopards, including melanistic sightings.
Indian Leopard Quick Facts
Key figures for the indian leopard. Ranges vary between sources and regions; these are commonly cited values.
| Fact | Indian Leopard |
|---|---|
| Scientific name | Panthera pardus fusca |
| Family | Mammal · Felidae |
| Local names | Bibat (Marathi), Tendua / Guldar (Hindi) |
| Size | Body about 1–1.9 m plus a 0.6–1 m tail |
| Weight | Males roughly 50–75 kg; females 30–40 kg |
| Lifespan | About 12–15 years in the wild |
| Breeding | Gestation of about three months; litters usually of 2–3 cubs. |
| Diet | A flexible carnivore taking prey from small mammals to deer, depending on availability. |
| IUCN status | Vulnerable |
| Population | India: 13,874 (2022 estimate, range 12,616–15,132). Maharashtra: 1,985, second only to Madhya Pradesh. |
How to Identify a Indian Leopard
Golden coat covered in rosettes (dark rings with no central spot), long tail, often seen on trees or rocks.
Combine shape, markings, movement and habitat rather than relying on size impressions alone, especially in poor light.
Indian Leopard Habitat
Uses forest, rocky cover, scrub and edges, often adapting to landscapes shared with larger carnivores and people.
What Does the Indian Leopard Eat?
A flexible carnivore taking prey from small mammals to deer, depending on availability.
Diet shifts with season, age and what is locally available, linking the species to vegetation, prey, predators and scavengers.
Indian Leopard Behaviour and Breeding
Solitary and elusive, with strong climbing ability and broad dietary flexibility.
Gestation of about three months; litters usually of 2–3 cubs.
Indian Leopard in Tadoba
Official reserve profiles list leopard among Tadoba’s notable fauna.
Occurrence does not guarantee a sighting. Habitat, season, activity pattern and route all affect your chances.
Indian Leopard in Pench
Both Pench reserves list leopard within their carnivore community.
Pench MP and Pench Maharashtra are administered separately but form one connected landscape.
Best Time to See the Indian Leopard
Winter and summer mornings on quieter routes; in Tadoba the Pangdi–Kolsa side is known for leopards, including melanistic sightings.
Morning drives are generally the most active. Book permits early for March–June, when demand peaks.
Indian Leopard Population and Conservation
India: 13,874 (2022 estimate, range 12,616–15,132). Maharashtra: 1,985, second only to Madhya Pradesh.
Retaliatory killing, habitat fragmentation, traffic and illegal wildlife trade remain important threats.
Watching Responsibly
Keep the required distance, stay in the vehicle, and never feed, call, spotlight or pursue wildlife. Follow your guide at all times.
Do not share precise locations of dens, nests or cubs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big is a indian leopard?
Body about 1–1.9 m plus a 0.6–1 m tail. Males roughly 50–75 kg; females 30–40 kg.
Is the indian leopard endangered?
The IUCN lists it as Vulnerable. India: 13,874 (2022 estimate, range 12,616–15,132). Maharashtra: 1,985, second only to Madhya Pradesh.
What does the indian leopard eat?
A flexible carnivore taking prey from small mammals to deer, depending on availability.
Where can I see the indian leopard in India?
In Central Indian tiger reserves including Tadoba-Andhari and Pench. Winter and summer mornings on quieter routes; in Tadoba the Pangdi–Kolsa side is known for leopards, including melanistic sightings.
How long does a indian leopard live?
About 12–15 years in the wild.
What is the indian leopard called locally?
Bibat (Marathi), Tendua / Guldar (Hindi)
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Sources & References
Facts on wildlife and visitor access can change. These are the principal references for this page; always confirm current permits and rules with the responsible forest department.
Photo Credits
Photos without a credit below are by Wild Excursions. The rest come from Wikimedia Commons under the licences shown.
- Wide view of the largest lake in Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve under a clear sky — Aashay25, CC BY-SA 4.0
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