Species profile
About this species
The Indian Leopard is a large spotted big cat native to the Indian subcontinent, recognised as one of the five subspecies of leopard found across Asia. It is a highly adaptable & secretive predator capable of thriving in a range of habitats from dense forests to semi-arid scrubland. Listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, its populations face pressure from habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict & poaching.
Indian Leopards inhabit a wide variety of environments including tropical rainforests, dry deciduous forests, temperate forests, scrubland & grasslands across India, Nepal, Bhutan & parts of Pakistan.
Where to photograph
Where our trips feature this species
You can photograph Indian Leopard with us in India.
These departures are part of our Asia programme.
In the field, Pui Hang Miles helps guests make the most of these encounters.
Field notes
Photography notes
Early morning & late afternoon during the cool winter months of October to February offer the best light & increased leopard activity. Dawn & dusk are prime periods as leopards are most active during these crepuscular hours.
Use a long telephoto lens of at least 400mm to capture sharp images from a safe distance without disturbing the animal. Position yourself low to the ground or at the leopard's eye level to achieve a more intimate & compelling perspective. Patience is essential - spend time at known resting sites such as rocky outcrops or dense trees where leopards lounge during the heat of the day.
Available holidays
Trips featuring Indian Leopard
The holidays below are pulled from the same species relationship, so the guide stays tied to live departures rather than becoming a static article.