Amur Leopard
By John Stengel
By John Stengel
Scientific Name: Panthera Pardus Orientalis
Habitat: Forest/Mountains
Status: Critically Endangered
How many left: Only about 60 in the wild!
What is the Amur Leopard?
The Amur Leopard is often mistaken for its more common counterpart the African Leopard. However the Amur Leopard is a more evolved version of its African cousin. As this leopard migrated into Far East Russia and parts of China it adapted to fit its climate. The fur of the Amur Leopard grew thicker in response to the colder climates.
Amur Leopards have several similar features to African Leopards. They have been known to run as fast as 35 miles per hour and have wonderful leg muscles. However this species’ legs are slightly longer allowing them to propel themselves up to 19 feet horizontally and 10 feet vertically! These long appendages also permit the animal to swim and scale rough terrain.
Amur Leopards hunt alone and hide their dead prey until they are ready to return for it. The Amur Leopard stalks Ungulates (an animal with hooves). They are sometimes gone for hours at a time while hunting. Unfortunately this increases the chance of predators discovering the mother leopards’ nest. A pregnant Amur Leopard can have from 1-4 cubs and the cubs are born helpless without their mother. To decrease the chance of a predator stumbling upon its cubs, a mother will move the location of her den to throw other creatures off their scent. From birth, the average lifespan of an Amur Leopard is 10-15 years.
Why Are Amur Leopards Endangered?
Dwindling habitats and food sources have been slowly reducing the amount of Amur Leopards in the wild. Logging and road-building have slowly eaten away at the forests that are home to these animals. Hunting has greatly reduced the number of Amur Leopards in the wild as well. These leopards are hunted for their coats and bones which can be made into various medicines. Illegal hunting and selling of the furs have boosted the popularity of Amur Leopard skins.
Due to all of these debilitating factors have led to a very small amount of these magnificent animals remaining. The Oregon Zoo has an Amur Leopard in captivity in hopes to keep the species alive. “An estimated 50-60 individuals remain in Land of the Leopard National Park (a reserve for wild leopards located in China) and approximately 10-12 individuals have been counted in adjacent areas of China” says a source from the Oregon Zoo.
What Are We Doing To Help?
Many zoos across North America and Asia have realized the predicament that the Amur Leopards are in. Several Leopards have been placed in captivity in a hopes to save the species. Since then about 10 Amur Leopards have been rescued and live in various zoos across the globe. However there are more leopards that need help.
What Can I Do To Help?
The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) take donations that help to cover the costs of helping these animals and keeping them safe. Donating to them can help to rescue more wild leopards and keep them comfortable and happy. You can also check the wood products you buy to see if they are forest friendly and have been approved by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). The FSC regulates logging and helps to prevent illegal logging. These animals can really benefit from our efforts to help.
Sources:
"Amur Leopard." WWF. World Wildlife Fund, n.d. Web. 10 Apr. 2017.
"Amur Leopard." Oregon Zoo. Oregon Zoo, n.d. Web. 10 Apr. 2017.
Habitat: Forest/Mountains
Status: Critically Endangered
How many left: Only about 60 in the wild!
What is the Amur Leopard?
The Amur Leopard is often mistaken for its more common counterpart the African Leopard. However the Amur Leopard is a more evolved version of its African cousin. As this leopard migrated into Far East Russia and parts of China it adapted to fit its climate. The fur of the Amur Leopard grew thicker in response to the colder climates.
Amur Leopards have several similar features to African Leopards. They have been known to run as fast as 35 miles per hour and have wonderful leg muscles. However this species’ legs are slightly longer allowing them to propel themselves up to 19 feet horizontally and 10 feet vertically! These long appendages also permit the animal to swim and scale rough terrain.
Amur Leopards hunt alone and hide their dead prey until they are ready to return for it. The Amur Leopard stalks Ungulates (an animal with hooves). They are sometimes gone for hours at a time while hunting. Unfortunately this increases the chance of predators discovering the mother leopards’ nest. A pregnant Amur Leopard can have from 1-4 cubs and the cubs are born helpless without their mother. To decrease the chance of a predator stumbling upon its cubs, a mother will move the location of her den to throw other creatures off their scent. From birth, the average lifespan of an Amur Leopard is 10-15 years.
Why Are Amur Leopards Endangered?
Dwindling habitats and food sources have been slowly reducing the amount of Amur Leopards in the wild. Logging and road-building have slowly eaten away at the forests that are home to these animals. Hunting has greatly reduced the number of Amur Leopards in the wild as well. These leopards are hunted for their coats and bones which can be made into various medicines. Illegal hunting and selling of the furs have boosted the popularity of Amur Leopard skins.
Due to all of these debilitating factors have led to a very small amount of these magnificent animals remaining. The Oregon Zoo has an Amur Leopard in captivity in hopes to keep the species alive. “An estimated 50-60 individuals remain in Land of the Leopard National Park (a reserve for wild leopards located in China) and approximately 10-12 individuals have been counted in adjacent areas of China” says a source from the Oregon Zoo.
What Are We Doing To Help?
Many zoos across North America and Asia have realized the predicament that the Amur Leopards are in. Several Leopards have been placed in captivity in a hopes to save the species. Since then about 10 Amur Leopards have been rescued and live in various zoos across the globe. However there are more leopards that need help.
What Can I Do To Help?
The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) take donations that help to cover the costs of helping these animals and keeping them safe. Donating to them can help to rescue more wild leopards and keep them comfortable and happy. You can also check the wood products you buy to see if they are forest friendly and have been approved by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). The FSC regulates logging and helps to prevent illegal logging. These animals can really benefit from our efforts to help.
Sources:
"Amur Leopard." WWF. World Wildlife Fund, n.d. Web. 10 Apr. 2017.
"Amur Leopard." Oregon Zoo. Oregon Zoo, n.d. Web. 10 Apr. 2017.