What are the dark patterns on an African leopard’s coat called?

The dark patterns on an African leopard’s coat are called rosettes.

A rosette is a roughly circular group of dark markings surrounding a lighter center. On most leopards, these markings form an irregular pattern across the back and flanks, helping break up the animal’s outline in dappled vegetation. The pattern is characteristic of leopards and is one reason they can be distinguished from lions and cheetahs.

Cheetahs have solid black spots rather than rosettes. Jaguars also have rosette-like markings, but their rosettes often contain one or more central spots. That difference can help identify the two big cats, although jaguars are native to the Americas, not Africa.

Leopard coats vary with habitat and individual genetics. Very dark, or melanistic, leopards may appear almost black, but their rosette pattern can still be visible in suitable light.