Amur leopards are listed as a Critically Endangered species by IUCN. A 2018 publication authored by Chinese, Russian, and American specialists estimated a global population of Amur leopards at 84 adults and subadults in 2014-2015. These counts suggested there were approximately 11 leopards primarily residing in Northeast China with about the same number using both Russian and Chinese lands. Since then, surveys on both sides of the border indicate that numbers continue to climb.
Ecology
Roe deer, sika deer, and wild boar contribute most to the diet of Amur leopards. The importance of these prey species varies with the season, but roe deer is generally the most preferred.
Amur leopards are sympatric with the Amur tigers, but their distribution is not restricted by tigers, probably due to the relatively low density of this apex predator in Far East Aisa. The different activity patterns and the leopards’ fine-scale avoidance of tigers also facilitate their coexistence.
Region
Amur leopards are found only in the Russian Far East and Northeast China.
Habitat
The habitat of Amur leopard is characterized by temperate, deciduous, and mixed forests. They show preference for high percentage of tree cover and abundance of ungulates. Their habitat use decreases when cattle grazing becomes heavy, probably due to its effect on sika deer, one of the main prey species of leopards.
Conservation Approach
Our current efforts focus on the removal of snares, a direct impact that is known to reduce prey for Amur leopards. We are also engaging local communities in conservation and trying to raise their awareness, which we believe is crucial for future cooperation and the long-term coexistence between humans and this big cat.
Threats
Amur leopards are known to be threatened by habitat loss, lack of prey, disease (e.g., canine distemper virus), and inbreeding depression.