Help Save the Amur Leopard

With a total population of 30-35 individuals, the Amur leopard, or Far Eastern leopard, is one of the most - if not the most - endangered large cats on earth.

20-30 are remaining in Russia and no more than 10 to be found in China. Due to extensive habitat loss and conflict with humans, the situation concerning the Amur leopard is critical.

The Amur Leopard is suffering daily risks from: poaching (and poaching of their prey, like deer); enraged farmers  who are now compensated for livestock killed by tigers and leopards; forest-fires which reduce their habitat; Logging of forests which are ideal leopard habitat. If these areas can be protected from logging companies the chance exists to increase wild leopard numbers.  enraged farmers  who are now compensated for livestock killed by tigers and leopards. People also use widely available poisons to kill the leopards in an attempt to save their livestock.  They also kill them for the fur for the industry's.

However, the fact that its more eminent cousin the Amur tiger recovered from a precarious state of less than 40 individuals some 60-70 years ago gives conservationists hope. It is believed that the Amur leopard can be saved from extinction if the present conservation initiatives are implemented, enhanced and sustained.