Leopards are the most widespread large cat but face prey depletion forcing conflict with livestock, creating welfare harm from persecution across sub-Saharan Africa.
Leopards poisoned through carcass baiting die over hours from organophosphate poisoning or secondary poisoning from strychnine. Snare injuries cause limb damage and infection. Leopards that lose cubs to human persecution show disrupted breeding cycles and long-term behavioural changes. Livestock protection measures including bomas, shepherd dogs and guardian breeds eliminate the immediate driver of conflict without welfare cost to leopards.