Global Wildlife

Amur Leopard Recovery from Near Extinction

The Amur leopard was reduced to around 30 individuals in 2007 but has recovered to over 100 through intensive protection in Russia and China, one of conservation's most dramatic recoveries.

Key Facts

Amur leopard population grew from around 30 in 2007 to over 110 by 2022
Found in a small area of Russian Far East and adjacent China
Thickest fur of any leopard subspecies, adapted to cold winters
Prey depletion and habitat loss were primary original threats
Protected area establishment and anti-poaching drove the recovery

Welfare Considerations

Amur leopard recovery demonstrates that even critically small populations can recover with intensive protection. Land Land Northeast Tiger and Leopard National Park in China provides secure habitat. Maintaining genetic diversity in this small population is an ongoing concern.

What You Can Do

Support Wildlife Conservation Society Amur leopard programmes
Celebrate Amur leopard recovery as evidence that conservation can work
Advocate for connected habitat corridors between Russian and Chinese protected areas