The Amur Leopard - a critically endangered feline

The Amur Leopard or Far Eastern Leopard is a critically endangered big cat, existing in Korea and Far East Russia. It is currently estimated that as few as 30 individuals remain in the wild - this is an indication of just how close this beautiful animal is to extinction. While Amur Leopards do exist in some captive populations, the question of whether or not cubs can be introduced into the wild and survive remains to be seen. In the mean time, both the Chinese and Russian governments are dedicating time and money to the conservation of the wild Amur Leopard population.

Poaching

Like many other wild species, the Amur Leopard has been the victim of poaching for many years. While in some cases the species was hunted for its unique and luscious coat, these cats have also been poached for other reasons. Amur Leopard poaching is often undertaken by local villagers in an effort to protect their stock from the predators or to acquire the cat's meat, as many are poor and starving. In addition, these leopards can fall prey to traps meant for deer and other game.

Habitat Destruction

Deforestation of large areas throughout both China and Russia has certainly had a dire consequence for the Amur Leopards. Locals often burn the forests in order to grow other plants to be used in cooking and for medicinal purposes. As their environment is on a constant retreat, these leopards are forced to compete even more for the already scarce sources of food, leaving many to die of starvation.

Inbreeding

As the Amur Leopard population continues to decline, the species becomes a victim of its own demise. With fewer individuals in a given area, leopards are more likely to mate with an individual with which they are closely related. Though studies have not yet confirmed it, it's possible that inbreeding is causing lower fertility and higher cub mortality rates, once again contributing to the species' dire situation.

With both the Chinese and Russian governments and a range of conservation organisations working to save the Amur Leopard, it is hoped that the species will survive. Some of the conservation strategies currently in place are listed below:

-anti-poaching campaigns
-reducing forest fires
-compensating livestock loss for local farmers
-population monitoring & species specific research
-creation of protected areas with hunting bans
-public awareness program

If you want to help, there's an easy way to do it - donate! Whether it's $10 or $10, 000, every contribution counts and is used to benefit the conservation of the species. Below are some organisations which focus on Amur Leopard conservation:
*ALTA (Amur Leopard and Tiger Alliance)
*WWF - they have a great gift program where your donation is used to buy a goat for local farmers in order to stop poaching of Amur Leopards
*AMUR (UK organisation)