The Life of Animals | Javan leopard | The Javan leopard was initially described as being black with black spots and dark silver-gray eyes. Javan leopards have either a normal spotted coat, or a recessive phenotype resulting in an all black coat Javan leopards are confined to the Indonesian island of Java. They are known to occur in the Mist Mountain National Park, Ujung Kulon National Park, Mount Gede Pangrango National Park, Ceremai National Park, Merbabu National Park, Merapi National Park, Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park, Meru National Park Betiri, Baluran National Park, and Alas Purwo National Park.
The total population was estimated at 42 to 58 individuals. The human population density far exceeds most other island nation population densities. Hunting laws are Strictly Enforced. In 2005, the Mist Mountain National Park was enlarged to three times its original size for restoration of the Javan leopard, the Javan gibbon, and the Javan Hawk-eagle. To addressed the issue of Java's over-population, and encroachment on the habitat of protected species, the Indonesian government has formed a nationwide family planning program.
In 1997, there were 14 Javan leopards in European zoos. The Javan leopard is not specifically managed in captive breeding programs in Europe and America. The Indonesian zoos of Ragunan and Surabaya also keep Javan leopards. As of December 2011, there are two male and one female Javan leopard in the German Tierpark Berlin, and one male and one female in the Jakarta zoo.
