The Persian leopard is an endangered species but remains widely distributed across large areas of Iran. An ensemble of eight species distribution models was developed for the species in Iran. A model including ecological predictors of occurrence predicted 2.03% (329 ha) more suitable habitat than the abiotic model. Habitat suitability for Persian leopards was higher in steeper areas, close to water resources, and near the distribution of caracals, livestock, and wild goats.. Photograph by Sadegh Poursalem.