Panthera pardus melas, commonly known as the Javan leopard, is a subspecies of leopard native to the Indonesian island of Java. It inhabits dense tropical rainforests and is known for its distinctive black or spotted coat, which provides camouflage. These solitary predators are skilled climbers and swimmers.

Panthera pardus melas, also known as the Javan leopard, is native to the island of Java in Indonesia. It is an endemic subspecies found only on this island.

The Javan leopard inhabits a variety of environments on Java, including lowland tropical rainforests, montane forests, and sometimes in shrublands and grasslands. The climate in these regions is typically tropical, with high humidity and significant rainfall, especially during the monsoon season.

This subspecies of leopard is adapted to a diverse range of habitats and is known to be a versatile and opportunistic predator. It occupies an ecological niche as a top predator, feeding on a variety of prey, including deer, wild boar, and smaller mammals. The Javan leopard plays a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance by controlling prey populations.