[L. leo, and pardus.] A rapacious quadruped of the genus Felis or Cat group, found chiefly in Africa, though not uncommon in some parts of Asia. In general appearance it resembles the tiger, though not nearly so large. Its head, neck, back, and limbs are covered with black spots on a fur of a yellow color, whilst its sides are marked by at least ten ranges of black spots of a larger size. The leopard is very active, and can leap with the greatest ease, or ascend trees in pursuit of prey. It lives chiefly in thick forests, and its prey consists of deer, antelope, monkeys, and smaller animals, but it will sometimes visit farms and villages and feed on pigs, poultry, goats, sheep, or dogs. The leopard seems to dread and flee from man, and will only attack him when closely pursued or brought to bay. Leopards are captured by means of pit-falls covered with branches of trees, on which pieces of meat are placed as bait. They are chiefly valued for their skins.