The most endangered big cat
The Amur leopard, Panthera Pardus Orientalis, is the rarest big cat in the world and yet is still a relatively unknown species of leopard outside of its homeland in Russia. The approximate population stands at about 35 individuals remaining in the wild. Until recently ago very little conservation work had been carried out but in the past few years some major initiatives have been set up to try to save these animals.
![Amur Leopard [2] by Edgar Thissen](http://static.flickr.com/103/265904002_bcc3b8aac8_s.jpg)
What do you think is the biggest threat to Amur Leopards?
Because the Amur leopard population is so small there is a great risk of extinction which could be caused by any one of the following threats:
Loss of habitat
The leopard lives in an area of Primorski Krai called Khasan which covers about 3,000 km2. The forest habitat is reducing in size due to logging activities but more importantly due to the careless burning of the forest. In some areas now the forest has been reduced to a black charcoal landscape.0 points
Poaching of leopards
Poaching of both the leopards and their prey is a serious threat. In some years we know that up to five individuals have been lost due to the skins that are confiscated. This level of poaching is extremely dangerous for the remaining population and if it goes on at these levels the leopard will become extinct in the near future. Anti-poaching teams are working hard but we need more men and more equipment. The leopards skins are sold and their internal parts go to China for use in Traditional Chi...0 points
Illegal hunting of leopard prey
The deer and other animals that leopards feed on are being depleted by illegal hunting. In addition Chinese hunters are coming across the border to poison the rivers to collect frogs and to collect other wildlife and this ultimately this has a threat on the health of the whole eco-system.0 points
Economic development
In the past few years the last remaining area where leopards live has been threatened with the development of a new coal mine and a new oil pipeline. Luckily the Russian Government decided in 2006 that the proposed oil pipeline would NOT go through the leopard territory which was wonderful news for all the conservationists who have worked so hard to protect these big cats. But now in 2007 a new threat is looming - the upgrading of major roads in the area. In the summer of 2007 it has been agre...0 points
The Unknown leopard
The Amur leopard is not famous! This may seem a crazy reason why it is in danger but it is a really important reason because it means that neither money nor political will are being directed at vital conservation work.0 points
Amur leopard videos
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