Leopard and cheetah are two different species of big cat that can be found in the wild across Africa. While these two cats may look similar on a quick glance, they actually have quite a few distinct physical and behavioral characteristics that separate them from one another. The most common way to distinguish a leopard from a cheetah is by looking at their facial features. Leopards do not have the black “tear strip” line that extends from the inner corners of their eyes down to their mouths like cheetahs do.
The next thing to look for is their spots. While cheetahs’ spots are circular or oval in shape, leopards have unevenly shaped “rosettes” that create a spotted pattern on their bodies. Another key difference is that cheetahs’ claws are non-retractable while leopards’ claws are. Cheetahs’ non-retractable claws allow them to make sharp turns at high speeds and also help with the grip on their prey when climbing or carrying it away from scavengers.
Lastly, cheetahs are diurnal while leopards are nocturnal meaning they move around at night rather than during the day. Leopards are also known to be much less aggressive than cheetahs, so they are generally safe around humans.
When it comes to the best time to spot these two different predators, cheetahs are most easily seen on savanna grasslands and plains such as those in the Serengeti or Etosha in Tanzania and Namibia while leopards tend to be more hidden in thicker vegetation. They are also more likely to be seen at dusk or dawn as they are active hunters at these times.