What makes this leopard black? The difference between the brown spotted leopard we usually think of and this cat is that black leopards have more melanin or black pigmentation. Some higher altitude leopards are black, but more often, the ones we see are domestically bred to be black. Originally found throughout Asia and Africa, leopards are now found only in East and Southern Africa. Leopard claws never retract and they are stunning hunters - quick, agile and graceful. The leopard pattern of rosettes can be seen in this cat's fur in the right light.