Amur Leopards: Surviving on the Edge of Extinction

The Amur leopard is the rarest wild cat on Earth, with fewer than 100 individuals remaining in a small area of the Russian Far East and China, making every individual life a critical welfare and conservation priority.

Key Facts

Fewer than 100 Amur leopards survive in the wild, primarily in Primorsky Krai in Russia and adjacent areas of China
They are listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List
The Land of the Leopard National Park created in Russia in 2012 protects the core habitat of the remaining population
Amur leopards are adapted to cold climates, with thick fur and wide paws for walking on snow
Prey species including roe deer and sika deer must be maintained at adequate densities for leopard survival
Poaching for fur and bones used in traditional medicine remains a threat despite protected status
Inbreeding due to the small population size is a concern for long-term genetic viability
A captive population of approximately 200 Amur leopards in zoos globally represents a genetic reserve

Welfare Considerations

Individual Amur leopards face welfare challenges from the chronic stress of living at extremely low population densities in a landscape adjacent to human activity. Encounters with snares set for other species cause acute trauma and injuries. Road traffic and railway lines fragment the small remaining habitat and cause mortality. Prey depletion from poaching of deer species forces leopards to travel further and expend more energy hunting. The small population size means that each individual death or injury has disproportionate welfare and conservation significance. Monitoring and veterinary intervention for injured individuals is crucial given the critical importance of every surviving animal.

What You Can Do

Support Land of the Leopard National Park conservation programmes through donations
Donate to the Amur Leopard and Tiger Alliance which coordinates international conservation efforts
Avoid all products containing leopard parts or derivatives including fur and traditional medicine
Support sustainable development initiatives in communities adjacent to Amur leopard habitat
Raise awareness about Amur leopard critically endangered status — they are among the least-known endangered big cats
Advocate for expanded and connected protected area networks in the Russian Far East and adjacent China