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Amur Leopard Conservation and Facts

May 6, 2025

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