Amur Leopard

By Chloe
 

Facts

leopard has adapted to live in the temperate forests of the Russian Far East and northeastern Chinese provinces. They are known to hide their kills to save it from other predators and eat later. They can also jump up to 20 feet horizontally and 10 feet vertically.

                                                      

Why is it endangered?

Amur leopards are currently threatened by shrinking prey tracts and the illegal wildlife trade. Due to logging and poaching of the prey species, such as roe deer and sika deer, the Amur leopards' food source is dwindling. Their fur is also a coveted resource, fetching up to $1,000 per pelt.

                    

What is being done to save it?

According to https://www.worldwildlife.org "WWF implements programs to stop the illegal trade in Amur leopard parts. Together with TRAFFIC, the world’s largest wildlife trade monitoring network, we help governments enforce domestic and international trade restrictions on Amur leopard products. Amur leopards are listed on CITES Appendix I, prohibiting all commercial trade in the species."  Also WCS is working to improve understanding of Amur leopard ecology as a basis for the conservation of this sub-species,one of the world’s most endangered cats. Their activities include population monitoring and ecological and biomedical research, as well as efforts to improve wildlife and habitat management in the leopard’s range. 

                                                   

Why are they important to the ecosystem?

The Amur leopard is important ecologically, economically and culturally. Conservation of its habitat benefits other species, including Amur tigers and prey species like deer. With the right conservation efforts, we can bring them back and ensure long-term conservation of the region.