A more recent count in the 1990-1991 winter revealed the population size in southwest Primorye to be stable at 30 to 36 animals, if migrants to and from China were included. People usually think of leopards in the savannas of Africa but in the Russian Far East, a rare subspecies has adapted to life in the temperate forests that make up the northern-most part of the species’ range. For camouflage in the snow, their coat is paler than other leopard subspecies. Studies have indicated that an increased tiger population in the Southwest Primorye area has not adversely affected the leopard population. Prey: Amur leopards hunt a very wide variety of animals including roe deer, sika deer, badgers and hares. Countries. Females are smaller, weighing between 50 and 95 lbs. The Amur leopard’s rosettes are widely spaced and larger than those seen on other leopards. They weigh between 70-125 pounds. Since 2002, WCS has camera-trapped between 8 and 16 Amur leopards on a study area at the northern end of the leopard's range. These fires cause grasslands to replace the forests which reduces the leopards habitat, Inbreeding – there is known to only be limited reproducing animals left which leads to a limited gene pool, Tigers will eliminate leopards if prey numbers are low. We aim to keep the latest Amur leopard facts here for you. At the shoulder they stand 45-75cm (1.5-2.5ft) tall. Litter size: 2–3 cubs. It is believed that a further 7 to 12 animals remain scattered throughout China. The coat’s spots are, which is most strong during the winter, while the coat, known to have a range from dense yellowish-red with a golden tinge to rusty-reddish-yellow. Habitat: Amur leopards live in the temperate forests of Far Eastern Russia, experiencing harsh winters with extreme cold and deep snow, as well as hot summers. Weight. Amur tigers are not seasonal breeders, but can mate at … The Amur leopard is a nocturnal animal that lives and hunts alone – mainly in the vast forests of Russia and China. The Amur leopard is adapted to the cool climate by having thick fur which grows up to 3 inches long in winter. Male leopards are bigger and weigh more than female leopards. If appropriate conservation actions are taken, there is great potential for increasing population size, increasing survival rates and habitat recovery in both Russia and China. ALTA works in close co-operation with local, regional, and federal governmental and non-governmental organisations to protect the region’s biological wealth through conservation, sustainable development and local community involvement. The Amur leopard’s rosettes are widely spaced and larger than those seen on other leopards. To support our conservation efforts you can become a supporter, and get a gorgeous box of Amur leopard themed mementoes to thank you for your support. Amur leopards in zoos show some evidence of breeding seasonality with a peak in births in late spring/early summer. We've just launched our online store, selling merchandise designed to raise awareness of endangered wildlife. Sidebar Content. Mammal, carnivore. Its historic range extended throughout northeastern (“Manchurian”) China, the southern part of Primorsky Krai in Russia and the Korean Peninsula. Their tongue has tiny rasps or hooks, called denticles, which are used to scrape the meat off of the bones of their prey. The two main cities of Primorski Krai – Vladivostok and Ussurisk – are only two or three hours drive away, so the leopard’s range holds some of the most popular hunting grounds for city residents. Typical for the Amur leopard habitat is in coniferous and deciduous forests of Manchu type. Their tail adds another 25 to 39 inches (64 to 99 cm) to their length. Male Amur Leopard Amur leopards differ from other subspecies by a thick coat. The temperate forests of the Russian Far East have long, cold winters and relatively mild summers. It is possible that a few leopards also exist in North Korea, but so far we have not been able to survey this area. The Amur leopard, also known as the Far East leopard, is the world’s rarest big cat.A subspecies of the leopard, these animals are found in the forested transboundary region that spans the Russian Far East and China. Their tails add another 32-35 inches to their overall length. The threat which face the Amur Leopard include: The Amur Leopard and Tiger Alliance (ALTA) is an initiative of Russian and western conservation organisations to conserve the Amur leopard and the Amur tiger. Size. Check out our Amur leopard facts below, or download our fast fact cards! Challenge events – tigers and Amur leopards. These fires are often caused by humans, farmers and people with other interests. The leopard can, however, grow much larger. The female Amur leopard is smaller than the male leopard. ZSL uses cookies on this website to enhance your user experience The main threats to the Amur leopard’s survival are: Poaching:  Poaching of both leopards and prey species is a serious threat. How long is an Amur leopards tail? An Amur leopard ( Panthera pardus orientalis), a subspecies of leopard, photographed at Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium in Nebraska. Temperate, Broadleaf, and Mixed Forests. The coat consists of soft, but dense hair which is around 20-25, in length in the summer while reaching 70. The Amur leopard’s rosettes are widely spaced and larger than those seen on other leopards. Amur Leopards have a thick coat of fur which is covered in spots. We are working with scientific partners to understand exactly how this disease is contracted by leopards and its origins. Its fur is fairly soft with long and dense hair. Leopard Heights is the largest Amur leopard facility in Europe. As recently as the 1970s, their population in the wild had dwindled to fewer than 30 individuals, making the Amur leopard is one of the world’s most endangered big cats and for this reason it is listed as Critically Endangered by the IUCN, and CITES Appendix I for protection status. They are rather small in size and fall within the range of variation in linear measurement of the species. Disease:  Diseases such as Canine Distemper Virus (CDV), are threatening the isolated and vulnerable Amur leopard population. The temperate forests of the Russian Far East have long, cold winters and relatively mild summers. The ground colour is typically yellowish above and white below.