Leopards in Queen Elizabeth National Park – Like other wild animals in Queen Elizabeth National Park, leopards move through the Savannah plains, forests, and sometimes hide in caves. However, unlike buffaloes that live in large herds, leopards live alone and are rarely seen in groups.
The only time they are seen together is during mating. This is why it is important to have a knowledgeable tour guide who can lead you to areas where leopards are likely to be found.
Leopards are fast, quiet, and strong. They can take down prey three times their size. Sometimes they attack from trees and carry their catch up into the branches to keep it safe.
Leopards have spotted skin, which helps them blend into their surroundings. This makes it hard for both prey and other predators to see them. They are also nocturnal, meaning they are active at night. Because of this, it is difficult to see them during daytime game drives.
Lions often disturb leopards, so leopards try to avoid them. Hyenas also cause problems for leopards by stealing their food before they can save or hide it. Despite these challenges, leopards survive in many environments, including rainforests, deserts, mountains, and jungles.
They are even seen swimming and catching fish. Their diet can include insects, reptiles, and animals that come near water to drink. Because leopards sometimes attack livestock near human homes, the government and the Uganda Wildlife Authority advise people living near the park to fence their property. This has helped reduce human-wildlife conflict and saved many leopards from being poisoned in revenge.
Leopards are different from many animals in that they do not have a fixed mating season. They can mate at any time of the year. After a pregnancy of about 90 to 100 days, a female gives birth to up to four cubs.
To protect the cubs, the mother finds a safe place to stay with them. She raises them for about one and a half years, teaching them how to hunt and survive on their own in the wild.
Leopards in Queen Elizabeth National Park are rare but special animals that are worth looking for during your visit.
