Background information about leopards Leopards ( Panthera pardus ) are large, carnivorous felines found throughout sub-Saharan Africa, as well as in parts of Asia and the Middle East. They are highly adaptable and are able to thrive in a wide range of habitats, from savannas and grasslands to forests and mountainous regions. They are part of the Panthera genus, which also includes lions, tigers, and jaguars.