Yes, leopards are considered to be endangered. They are listed as "vulnerable" on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species. The main threats to leopard populations include habitat loss, illegal hunting for their skins and body parts, and conflict with humans.
Leopards are found across various parts of Africa and Asia, but their populations have significantly declined over the years. Loss and fragmentation of their natural habitats due to deforestation, agriculture, and urbanization have greatly impacted their numbers. The illegal wildlife trade also poses a significant threat, as leopard skins and bones are highly valued in some cultures for traditional clothing, rituals, and medicinal purposes.
Furthermore, leopards often come into conflict with humans when their natural prey becomes scarce. In such cases, they may prey on livestock, leading to retaliatory killings by farmers and communities.
Conservation efforts are underway to protect and preserve leopard populations. These include initiatives such as habitat conservation, anti-poaching efforts, raising awareness about the importance of leopard conservation, and implementing measures to reduce human-wildlife conflicts.