Amur Leopards

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There are many rare animals on the earth, struggling to survive, like the Jamaican Iguana, Javan Rhino, and the Ivory-Billed Woodpecker. But the most rare species on the planet are the Amur Leopards. Amur Leopards are descendents of panthers, and are a species that adapted to life in temperate forests. They have light, blue eyes, and can run the speed of up to 37 miles per hour. They are known for being critically endangered.

The Amur leopard has some very distinguishing features. The hairs of its summer fur are 2.5 cm long but in winter they are replaced by 7 cm long ones. Apart from its long winter coat, which is a light color in the winter, and more reddish-yellow in the summer, the Amur leopard is easily told apart from other leopard species by its widely spaced rosettes with thick borders. It also has longer legs, an adaptation for walking through snow. Adult males weigh around 70-108 lbs, and exceptionally large males weigh up to 165 lbs. Females typically weigh 55-97 lbs. Russian Far East and North East China and there are fewer than 40 individuals left in the wild. They are nimble-footed, and strong, it carries and hides unfinished kills so they are not taken by other predators. Some males fight over females, and stay with them after mating, and may help with rearing the young. They live up to 10-15 years, and are known as the Far East Leopard, the Manchurian leopard or the Korean leopard. Although these special leopards are very rare and special, they are also facing a problem of becoming extinct. Due to extensive habitat loss and human conflict, the situation with Amur Leopards has gotten worse. There are less than 50 individuals left in this world, and are facing a lot of threats like poaching, forest fires, inbreeding, development, and lack of political commitment. “Amur leopards are teetering on the brink of extinction. With the establishment of the Land of the Leopard National Park, in conjunction with other conservation efforts, we can now start to focus on how to begin bringing them back”, says the article World Wide Fund for Nature.

Although these leopards are unique and very interesting, the Amur Leopards need to be keep safe at all costs. WWF are working hard to keep these leopards safe, and be kept in a healthy, good environment. They are supporting anti-poaching activities, and trying to stop traffic in Amur Leopard habitat and population. I think this is very important to know, and good for people to be aware of so we can protect the Amur Leopards. We also need to be aware of the other species that are becoming close to being endangered, and work to protect them. WWF has groups working together to protect the animal habitat by reducing illegal and unsustainable logging practices, and facilitating trade between companies committed to responsible forestry practices. Ways we could help stop wildlife crime is recycle, keeping the environment clean, report any harassment or or shooting of threatened endangered species, make your home wildlife friendly, and maybe even adopting a couple! Either way, if we work together, we can protect the Amur Leopards and other animals that need help.