Animal Conservation

Amur Leopard
Panthera pardus orientalis

Status: Listed as critically endangered on The IUCN Red List of Endangered Species. Only 30-40 individuals left in the wild.

Distribution: Previously ranged across Russia and China but has since lost up to 80% of its territory and now its range is limited to approx. 5,000km² along the Russian – Chinese border with the majority being found in a small area of southwest Primorskii Krai region in Russia.

Threats: There are a number of threats facing the remaining population of Amur Leopards. Habitat loss due to increasing land development and human-induced forest fires has destroyed much of the leopards original territory. Poaching and illegal trade are another huge factor of the Amur Leopard, but also its main prey species such as roe and sika deer.

Progress: The Amur Leopard and Tiger Alliance is an organisation which is dedicated to funding agencies and projects for the conservation of Amur Leopards. Many projects are currently underway which are aiming to increase the numbers of Amur Leopards left in the wild. Projects include:

• snow tracking in winter and camera-trapping surveys which researchers use to gather information on population numbers by identifying the individual by its unique rosette pattern.
• Thanks to fundraising efforts from across the globe, anti-poaching teams are now in place which patrol the Amur Leopards range
• Local educational efforts are underway in a bid to raise awareness to villagers about the serious threats “their” leopards face and to increase conservation efforts. Compensation schemes were made available to farmers whose livestock were killed by either Amur Leopards or Tigers, this prevents “retaliation killings” by famers.

Future for Amur Leopards: Prospect of future re-introduction of captive Amur Leopards to the wild. Fundraising is vital for their continual success.

Be part of Tayto Parks fundraising efforts and you’ll be awarded with your very own certificate from ALTA!!