Wild Amur Leopard Conservation and Welfare at the Edge of Extinction

The welfare situation of Amur leopards — the most critically endangered felid — with fewer than 100 in the wild.

Key Facts

Fewer than 100 Amur leopards remain in the wild in Russian Far East and northeastern China
They are the most critically endangered wild cat species — one of the rarest large mammals on Earth
Poaching for fur and bones, prey depletion from overhunting, and habitat loss are the primary threats
Land of the Leopard National Park established in 2012 has provided essential core habitat protection
Amur leopards are solitary with large territories — each individual welfare event has population significance

Welfare Considerations

Amur leopard welfare has extraordinary individual-level stakes — with fewer than 100 individuals remaining, each animal represents approximately 1% of the entire wild population. Poaching causes acute suffering through trap injuries and shooting. Prey depletion from deer hunting reduces food availability, causing nutritional stress and territorial conflict. The establishment of Land of the Leopard National Park has reduced immediate pressures, but the population remains precariously small. At this scale, individual welfare incidents are simultaneously individual welfare harms and conservation emergencies. The welfare of each Amur leopard matters both intrinsically and as a conservation imperative.

What You Can Do

Support WWF Russia and Wildlife Conservation Society Amur leopard protection programs
Donate to anti-poaching patrol programs in Land of the Leopard National Park
Advocate for wildlife corridor protection connecting Russian and Chinese Amur leopard habitat
Learn about Amur leopard status and share information to build international conservation attention