The Amur leopard is a beautiful, light-colored leopard that is almost extinct.
Also known as the Far Eastern leopard, the Amur leopard is a critically endangered big cat that inhabits parts of southeastern Russia (Primorsky Krai) and northeastern China (Jilin and Heilongjiang). A few leopards have also been reported in northern Korea. It is a subspecies of the leopard.
The Amur leopard lives farther north than any other leopard. It is the only leopard subspecies that has adapted to a cold climate. Its fur is thick, soft, and covered in spots. Overall, the coat is pale, which helps the cat hide in the snow.
Currently, less than 30 Amur leopards are still living in the wild. The Amur leopard is one of the most endangered wild cats on the planet.
Scientific Name: Panthera pardus orientalis
Conservation Status: Critically Endangered
Interesting Amur leopard facts
- Has very thick fur and is the only leopard species that can live in a cold climate.
- Less than 60 Amur leopards still live in the wild.
- Lives farther north than any other leopard.
More about the Amur leopard
Physical appearance
Amur leopards are relatively small in size. Males range from 42 to 54 inches, with a tail length of 32 to 35 inches. They weigh between 70 and 100 lbs.
Females are smaller, weighing between 50 and 95 lbs. The cat’s coat is covered in spots and ranges in color from various shades of yellow to gold.
The leopard’s fur is usually much lighter during the winter months. The thickness of its fur and its light cream color are two of the main physical attributes that set it apart from other leopards.
Location and habitat
The leopards maintain individual territories approximately 20 to 120 miles in size, usually in a river basin. The current Russian population exists in an area of about 2,700 square miles. Leopards travel between those countries by crossing the Tumen River (a long river that forms part of the boundary between Russia, China, and Korea).
Hunting and prey (diet)
Amur Leopard prey includes musk deer, roe deer, moose, wild pig, Manchurian wapiti (elk), hare, badger, fowl, mice, and, at times, young black bears. The leopard usually hunts at night.
Reproduction and lifespan
Female leopards start breeding between 2-3 years of age. They have between one to four cubs during the spring or early summer. Most recently, the average size of a litter has only been two cats. The young cats leave their mothers within 1 to 1 ½ years. Wild Amur leopards generally live between 10 to 15 years. Captive leopards can live as long as 20 years.
Amur leopard conservation issues
The serious decline of the Amur leopard population results from habitat loss, deforestation, poaching and the illegal wildlife trade.
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