A phylogenetic analysis suggests that the Persian leopard matrilineally belongs to a monophyletic group that diverged from a group of Asian leopards in the second half of the Pleistocene. The diet of the Persian Leopard varies depending on habitat. Their principal prey is ungulates such as Bezoar goat, roe deer, Goitered gazelle, West Caucasian tur, mouflon, urial, and wild boar. They also prey on smaller wildlife such as Crested porcupine and Cape hare, and occasionally attack livestock and herd dogs.