A distinct population of leopards in South Africa’s Cape Floristic Region has developed much smaller bodies than other African leopards, researchers report. Genetic analysis shows the animals have been isolated for roughly 20,000 years and adapted to local conditions.
The leopards, found in the Western Cape and parts of the Eastern and Northern Cape, number fewer than 1,000. Whole-genome sequencing revealed they form a separate genetic group from leopards in southern and eastern Africa, with little recent mixing.
Their smaller size appears linked to about 90 genes tied to body size, muscles, and energy use. The cats mainly hunt smaller prey such as rock hyrax, klipspringer, and Cape grysbok in an area with limited food resources.
The population split from others during the Last Glacial Maximum, when cooler and drier conditions restricted movement. Despite isolation and past hunting pressure, the leopards retain most of their genetic diversity.
Conservationists say the animals represent an evolutionarily significant unit that requires connected habitats and reduced conflict with people to persist.