Taxonomic uniqueness of the Javan Leopard; an opportunity for zoos to save it

The Javan leopard (Panthera pardus melas) is a distinct subspecies, basal to the phylogenetic tree of Asian leopards. At present this taxon is not specifically managed in captive breeding programs in America and Europe. As it is endangered in the wild, and represents a genetically and morphologically unique and distinct taxon we recommend a more concerted effort to target this species for captive breeding.