Subspecies Variation in Leopard (Panthera pardus):Morphological Vs Molecular Approaches and Conservation

Abstract

Leopard (Panthera paradus) has several subspecies occurring in the Middle East, Asia and Africa. These subspecies vary widely in morphological features including coat patterns in addition to individual variation, for which controversy exists over the subspecies differentiation. As such, information regarding leopard subspecies taxonomy from morphological and molecular point of view have been analysed and communicated indicating a combination of morphological and molecular data towards identification and conservation action.