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Amur Leopard
The cat that stalks alone: An endangered solitary hunter
Common Name: Amur leopard, Far East leopard, Manchurian leopard, Korean leopard; Léopard d'Amur (Fr); (Sp)
Scientific Name: Panthera pardus orientalis
Habitat: Temperate Broadleaf and Mixed Forests
Location: South of the Far East-Primorskii region (Russian Far East), Tzilin, Heilundzyan Provinces (Northern China).
Population: Less than 40 individuals
Background
The leopard is rarely found in cold or high-elevation environments and is best known in its more familiar home in the savannas of Africa, where populations are relatively stable.
© © Vasily Solkin
However, in the northernmost part of its range, a rare subspecies of this cat lives in the temperate forests and harsh winters of the Russian Far East. This is the Amur leopard (Panthera pardus orientalis), also known as the Far East leopard, the Manchurian leopard or the Korean leopard. IUCN's 2000 Red List of Threatened Species classifies the subspecies as Critically Endangered, and the CITES has listed it on Appendix I.
In 1998, the Russian government adopted a strategy for the conservation of the Amur leopard. WWF is supporting antipoaching activities in the Barsovy wildlife refuge, as well within the whole leopard habitat in the Russian Far East. The organization is also implementing programs to stop the traffic in Amur leopard parts and to increase the population of prey ungulate (hoofed) species in the leopard's habitat. WWF staff are also monitoring the leopard population and its habitat.
Physical Description
© Vasily Solkin
The Amur leopard has some very distinguishing features. Its summer pelt is 1 inch long but in winter it is replaced by an almost 3 inch long pelt. Apart from its long winter coat, the Amur leopard is easily told apart from other leopard subspecies by its widely spaced rosettes with thick borders. It also has longer legs, probably an adaptation for walking through snow.
The Amur leopard is habitually nocturnal and solitary. Nimble-footed and strong, it carries and hides unfinished kills so that they are not taken by other predators.
Size
Adult males: 70 - 105lbs, exceptionally large males weigh up to 165 lbs. Females: 55 - 95 lbs.
Color
Light color in the winter, more reddish-yellow in the summer.
Habitat
Major habitat type
Temperate Broadleaf and Mixed Forests
Biogeographic realm
Palearctic
Range States
Russia, China, probably North Korea
Geographical Location
South of the Far East-Primorskii region (Russian Far East), Tzilin, Heilundzyan Provinces (Northern China).
Ecological Region
Russian Far East Temperate Forests
Interesting Facts
The Amur leopard has been reported to leap more than 19 feet horizontally and more than 9 feet vertically.
Danger Watch
A species relative risk of extinction, as determined by the IUCN - The World Conservation Union. More
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Extinct
No reasonable doubt that the last individual has died.
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Extinct in the Wild
Known only to survive in cultivation, in captivity or as a naturalized population.
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Critically Endangered
Facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild.
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Endangered
Facing a high risk of extinction in the wild.
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Vulnerable
Facing a high risk of extinction in the wild.
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Near Threatened
Likely to qualify for a threatened category in the near future.
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Least Concern
Does not qualify for Critically Endangered, Endagnered, Vulnerable or Near Threatened
Related Information
Species News and Updates
WWF Experts
Dr. Darron Collins
"Reversing the trend toward extinction is difficult but not impossible. We helped bring the tiger back from the brink and now it's the Amur leopard's turn."
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