Conservation Consciousness: The Amur Leopard

The Amur leopard is the rarest big cat in the world, with an estimated 150 living out in the wild. What can we do to help preserve the species and its habitat?

Amur leopard, gouache on paper, reference from photo by Valeriy Maleev

These gorgeous cats are adapted to live in very snowy climates like the temperate forests of the Russian Far East and northeastern China. To adapt to their white, frigid environment, the Amur leopard dons longer and paler fur in the winter as a shift from their vivid orange summer coat. One key issue is that the big cat is adapted to such a specific region that the species has a very low distribution, meaning that any damage to their habitat or ecosystem is severely detrimental. To meet their nutritional goals, these carnivores typically hunt roe deer, sika deer, hares, and badgers. Though, their prey is dwindling in numbers due to logging, industrial projects, and forest fires. Illicit tree-cutting especially affects the habitats of deer among other prey, so leopards may even stray towards human-owned livestock for food sources. This effectively dismantles both leopards' and humans' natural balance and sparks new conflict between the two.

What Is Being Done?

• The main reason population is starting to recover is the establishment of the "Land of the Leopard National Park" to cover the Amur leopard's remaining habitat and prevent further damage

• Anti-poaching patrols are implemented to remove snares and apprehend poachers

• Camera monitoring leads to better population estimates and exposes where better protection is needed

• The population increased from an estimated 30 individuals in the wild in the year 2000 to 125 within protected areas in 2023

What Can You Do To Help?

• Support groups such as WWF, Wildlife Conservation Society, and Wildcats Conservation Alliance

• Donate to corridor restoration and community livelihood programs

• Raise awareness for environmental review of potentially harmful infrastructure projects in the area

• Travelling to view wildlife in protected reserves can boost tourism and in turn create local incentives to protect leopards

The Amur leopard could have a very hopeful future if the efforts of conservation specialists are coupled with community awareness and engagement. Check out more of The Conscious Planet's blogs to learn more about helping endangered species!