Background
The Amur Leopard adapted to life in the mixed forests of far East Russia. These leopards have been classified as critically endangered since 1996 by the IUCN, with an estimated 30 individuals left in the world. The Amur Leopard is very distinctive due to its pale coat, compared to most other subspecies. The beautiful leopard is well adapted to living in harsh, cold climates of its range because of it's thick coat. The Amur Leopards coat can grow up to 7 cm in the winter. The Amur Leopard can weigh anywhere from 70-105 lbs and can reach speeds of up to 37 mph. This leopard has been reported to leap more than 19 feet horizontally and up to 10 feet vertically. The Amur Leopard can live for 10-15 years in the wild and up to 20 years in captivity. The Amur Leopard can also be referred to as the Far East Leopard, the Korean Leopard, or the Manchurian Leopard.
Classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Carnivora
Family: Felidae
Genus: Panthera
Species: Panthera Pardus Orientalis
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Carnivora
Family: Felidae
Genus: Panthera
Species: Panthera Pardus Orientalis
Breeding
Females start the breeding process around the age of 3-4. After a gestation period of about 12 weeks, cubs are born in litters of 1-4 individuals. The average liter size is around 2 cubs. The cubs stay with their mother for up to two years before they become completely independent. Unlike most leopards, the male Amur Leopard tends to stay with the female after mating and help bring up the young. It has been reported that males follow and fight over a female leopard.
Threats
Illegal wildlife trade is the main reason why the Amur Leopard is endangered and on the verge of being extinct. It is poached for its beautiful, spotted fur. Under cover investigations have taken place and have revealed important pieces of information. Male Amur Leopard skin was being sold for anywhere from $500-$1,000 in the village of Barabash. Many forests surround this village as well as other villages around the area, making it easy access for poachers to kill animals such as the Amur Leopard. Villagers also hunt the Amur Leopard's prey for food and cash, leaving the Amur Leopard with minimal food.
Habitat
The Amur Leopard can be found in Amur-Heilong, located in far east Russia. They tend to live in temperate forests that provide a reasonable amount of coverage and mountains.
Food Chain
The Amur Leopard, being a skilled hunter and strong animal, is at the top of its food chain. Amur leopards feed off roe deer and sika deer. The roe and sika feed off of the grass, which gets its energy and growth from the sun. Amur leopards also eat badgers. Badgers eat mice, grubs, and berries. The last thing that the leopards eat are hares, which eat grass, and the grass gets its energy from the sun.