One notices they're leopard-like (5)

I believe the answer is:

spots

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'one notices' is the definition.
(spot can mean to notice or see)

I can't explain the remainder of the clue.

(Other definitions for spots that I've seen before include "Picks out" , "Blemishes" , "Catches sight of" , "Sees" , "Espies the blobs?" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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