Why would a leopard ever leave its habitat?

Javan leopard (Panthera pardus melas) is a subspecies, which is found only in the Indonesian island of Java.. The population of these leopards is estimated at less than 250 mature individuals, with a decreasing trend – Getty Images.

Javan leopard (Panthera pardus melas) is a subspecies, which is found only in the Indonesian island of Java.. The population of these leopards is estimated at less than 250 mature individuals, with a decreasing trend – Getty Images.

On August 28, 2025, a leopard was reported to have entered the Kutamandarakan Village Hall in Maleber District, Kuningan Regency. How did the leopard get into the village? What really happened?


Jack Humprey Joseph West is a wildlife expert and Managing Director – Renewable Energy Consultant at Pathera Tigris Pty. Ltd. He believes several factors caused the leopard to leave its habitat.

What is the nature of the leopard? Are there any striking differences compared to other large cat groups?

What has Indonesia done to reduce the population of wildlife like the Javan leopard? Is there enough food for the wildlife? Jack West patiently explained all of this. Equally important was his message that humans need not worry about becoming prey to the leopard. This animal and humans are actually adapted to living side by side without interfering with each other.

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Why would a leopard ever leave its habitat? | SBS Indonesian