20 Leopard species have the largest range for cats inhabiting most of Africa, Middle East, India, and Asia. Sometimes confused with jaguars especially black melanistic ones, leopards slightly differ. Leopards' rosette patterns are devoid of inside markings, heads are smaller, forelimbs and body more slender, and tail shorter. Astoundingly adaptable to different climates, leopards prefer forest and adjacent habitats using trees for protection and observing prey. Solitary animals, they come together long enough to mate.