In tiger country, the leopard lives in the shadow of the tiger. Always around but extremely shy, nocturnal, arboreal and rarely seen. Tigers, being larger and much more powerful, dominate their smaller cousins, as the two species compete for food and territory.
A tigress with cubs takes no chances with leopards, for the safety of her litter. Leopards are not only known to be killed by the tigers but have also been recorded being eaten by the larger feline.
Being pushed to its limits, and in order to survive and co-exist with the tiger, the leopard uses its ability to climb trees and leads primarily an arboreal life. In tiger country, they are seldom seen on the ground and prefer to carry their prey up in the trees to peacefully feed.
It is rare to come across a leopard in Corbett Tiger Reserve, though as per the official data, there are over 100 leopards in the reserve. On a recent safari to Corbett Tiger Reserve, this beautiful Leopard was seen sleeping in a tree.