HARARE — Leopards, one of Africa’s most iconic big cats, are facing a dramatic decline, having lost nearly 75% of their historical range globally and about 41% in Zimbabwe. Conservationists warn that without urgent intervention, these elusive predators may vanish from the wild.
This International Leopard Day, observed on May 3, conservation organisations are sounding the alarm, urging governments and communities to act before it’s too late. Despite being classified as Vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), leopard populations continue to decline due to habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict, and illegal trade.
Once widespread across more than 35 African nations, leopards have now disappeared from vast regions, including a staggering 97% of their former range in North Africa—qualifying those populations as Critically Endangered. In sub-Saharan Africa, though still holding the healthiest leopard populations, the IUCN estimates a 30% decline over the past 22 years.
In Zimbabwe, leopards remain relatively stable. The IUCN has described the country’s population as the “healthiest of the entire range,” thanks in part to their presence in protected areas such as Hwange, Gonarezhou, Mana Pools, and Matusadona national parks. Private game reserves like Sango have also contributed through leopard monitoring programmes.
Still, challenges persist. Leopards need large, intact habitats and abundant prey. As forests are cleared for agriculture and infrastructure, and prey animals decline, leopards increasingly encroach on human settlements—often resulting in retaliatory killings. In addition, leopards are targeted for their skins, claws, and bones in illegal markets, while snares and poorly regulated trophy hunting continue to threaten populations.
Dr Moreangels Mbizah, Executive Director of Wildlife Conservation Action added a woman’s perspective to leopards, “As an African woman and conservationist, I see leopards not just as wildlife, but as part of who we are. Leopards are more than majestic predators, they are part of our African heritage, woven into the stories, landscapes, and spirit of our communities. On World Leopard Day, we are reminded that their survival depends on our ability to blend traditional wisdom, scientific knowledge, and the power of local people. Protecting leopards means safeguarding the future of both nature and humanity. This work requires inclusive, collaborative efforts rooted in science and guided by the lived experiences of the communities who coexist with these animals”.
Peter Knights, CEO of Wild Africa, says, “Leopards are perhaps the perfect predators – strong, agile and incredibly stealthy. If we can promote tools for them to coexist with expanding agriculture they are highly adaptable and will survive. If not they will be threatened with extinction like the other large cats.”
This International Leopard Day, Wild Africa urges governments, communities, and conservation partners to help save a spot for these iconic species by giving them space and mitigating human-wildlife conflict for peaceful coexistence.
