The average lifespan of a leopard can vary depending on various factors, including the availability of food, habitat conditions, predation, and human impacts. In the wild, leopards typically have an average lifespan of around 12 to 15 years. However, some individuals have been known to live up to 20 years or more in exceptional cases.
In captivity, where leopards are protected and provided with appropriate care, their lifespans can be extended. Leopards in zoos or wildlife sanctuaries may live into their late teens or even reach their early twenties.
It's important to note that these lifespan estimates are general averages, and individual leopards may experience variations in their lifespans due to various factors, including health, genetics, and environmental conditions.