The Leopards in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area are among the most important predators found in this protected area. Leopards are mainly seen in the Northern Highland Forest Reserve, which offers good cover and quiet space for these shy animals. This area is also popular with visitors who are searching for the Big Five during a safari.
There is a healthy population of leopards within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The Northern Highland Forest Reserve is located in the southern sector of Ngorongoro and plays a key role in supporting these animals. The forest covers about 893 square kilometers, which is around 20 percent of the total area of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Because of its size and thick forest cover, it provides a safe place for leopards to live, hunt, and rest.
Leopards are carnivores and depend on meat for survival. In the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, they feed on a wide range of animals. Their diet includes fish, antelopes, warthogs, monkeys, rodents, zebras, wildebeests, and other small to medium sized animals. This ability to hunt different types of prey helps leopards survive in many environments within Ngorongoro.
Night Hunts
Leopards are very shy and secretive animals. Most of their hunting takes place at night when they are more active. During night hunts, leopards use darkness and silence to surprise their prey. Some of their night prey includes owls, porcupines, bats, and sometimes hyenas. Their strong bodies and sharp senses make them effective hunters after dark.
Day Time Hunts & Resting
During the day, leopards prefer to stay hidden. They often rest inside caves, on top of large trees, or on big rocks. These resting places help them stay safe from other predators and from human activity. Spending the daytime resting also helps them save energy for hunting at night.
Because of their behavior and preferred habitats, spotting leopards in Ngorongoro requires patience and good guiding. Seeing a leopard in the wild is a special experience and remains one of the highlights of a safari in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
