The WWF charity has reported that there are now currently only 35 Amur leopards and 450 Amur tigers left in Wild Russia, making them two of the most endangered big cats on the planet.
The Amur leopard is still a relatively unknown species of leopard outside of its homeland of Russia, with very little conservation work carried out to sustain their existence. These leopards now only exist in the southern forests of the Russian Far East along the borders with China in the Khasan Region of Primorsky Krai.
The leopard’s forest habitat is slowly reducing in size due to logging activities and burning, with some areas now reduced to a black charcoal landscape. Anti-poaching teams are working hard in the area but require more men, whilst the Amur leopard’s food supplies are also being depleted by illegal hunting.
In the wild leopards live for between 10-15 years but may live to 20 years in captivity. Zoos around the world provide vital support to Amur leopard conservation both by providing an environment to breed new offspring. Up to last year, 290 Amur leopards were bred in captivity which is fantastic news, but does not help the plight of the wild Leopards.
