Amur Leopard - Rosamond Gifford Zoo

Overview

• Scientific Name: Panthera pardus orientalis
• Habitat: Native to the Amur River basin in Far East Russia; found in temperate forests of Southeastern Russia and Northeastern China.
• Conservation Status: Critically Endangered

Range & Habitat

• In the Wild: Diverse temperate forests of Southeastern Russia and Northeastern China.
• At the Zoo: Zalie and Bob Linn Amur Leopard Woodland.

Conservation Status

• Amur Leopards are the world's most endangered big cats.
• Threats include poaching and habitat loss.
• Estimated population in the wild: 60 to 80 individuals.

Diet

• In the Wild: Preys on deer, boar, badgers, hares, birds, and mice.
• At the Zoo: Diet includes specialized meat enriched with vitamins and nutrients, humanely sourced rabbits, quail, rats, and chicken.

Life Span

• In the Wild: 10-15 years.
• In Human Care: Up to 20 years.

Fun Facts

• Amur Leopards have long bushy tails (approx. 3 feet), used to keep warm in winter.
• Excellent swimmers; enjoy being in water.
• Can run at speeds up to 37 miles per hour.
• Solitary animals with large territories (19-116 square miles).
• Population has doubled since 2007 due to conservation efforts.

Conservation Efforts

• Significant conservation efforts have been made to increase the population of Amur Leopards since 2007.

Location within the Zoo

• Located in the Social Animals indoor exhibit at the Rosamond Gifford Zoo.

Sources

• World Wildlife, Amur Leopard, Facts.
• Our Endangered World, Amur Leopard.
• WCS Russia, Amur Leopard.
• One Kind Planet, Amur Leopard.

Updated June 13, 2023