A panther is a large feline mammal that belongs to the genus Panthera. The term "panther" is often used to refer to black-coated leopards (Panthera pardus) of Africa and Asia and jaguars (Panthera onca) of Central and South America, which are characterized by a coat of black fur or large concentrations of black spots set against a dark background. Black panthers of both species have excess black pigments, but their typical rosettes are also present. Although technically only black leopards and jaguars are generally considered to be the only true panthers by science, the term is also used to describe a number of dark-colored felines of the Big Cat family, including cougars, bobcats, lynx, jaguarundis, tigers, and pumas (cougars), even though reports of black-colored representatives of some species, such as the puma, have not been confirmed.

Panthers are carnivorous animals and one of the most feared and powerful predators throughout their natural environment. They are incredibly intelligent and agile animals that have adapted well to a variety of habitats around the world, and are known to be one of the strongest climbers of all felines. Panthers are solitary animals that lead a nocturnal lifestyle, spending much of the daylight hours resting safely high in the trees. They are widely scattered over three continents, mostly living in the steamy, dense tropical rainforests of South and Southeast Asia, Southwest China, Southern India, Indonesia, Burma, Nepal, and Southern Malaysia.