Leopards are one of the most geographically widespread big cats. However, many leopard populations are endangered. The leopard's range includes sub-Saharan and northeast Africa, Central Asia, India, and China. Leopards are highly adaptable, with a diverse diet. They are nocturnal predators with the ability to hunt and carry their prey into trees. Within the tree canopy, leopards' spotted coats provide camouflage and help protect them from predators and scavengers that want to steal their prey. Leopards use the tall grasses of the savannah to stalk their prey. Leopards hunt antelope, pigs, and deer. They are comfortable in the water where they hunt for crab and fish. Leopards are solitary except when mothers are rearing their cubs. As with most big cats, human-leopard conflicts are negatively impacting leopards throughout their range. As human populations increase and encroach on leopard habitat, humans and leopards are forced to compete for food and space. Leopards are also threatened by illegal poaching and retaliatory killings when they prey upon livestock. Conservation efforts, including habitat preservation and education, could help protect endangered and threatened leopard populations.