http://gifts.worldwildlife.org/gift-center/Images/large-species-photo/large-Amur-Leopard-photo.jpg
Amur Leopard
Panthera pardus orientalis
http://awsassets.panda.org/img/skin_resize_1_361331.jpg
Numbering about 35 in the wild, the Amur Leopard is critically endangered because of its desirable pelts. These beautifully spotted furs are the main reason for the Amur Leopard's endangered status. Poachers are causing great stress on this Chinese and Russian species.
The beautiful pelts are sold at prices between $500 and $1000 with female pelts being at the lower end of that range. Many farming communities border the forests the leopards call home. This makes poaching easier and therefore a larger problem. The poachers exploit not only the Amur Leopard but also the leopard's prey. This makes life harder for the leopards down the line because of competition for prey. This competition is completely unnatural because one side is the human.
The Amur Leopard has to deal with another conflict based on food. Farmers in Eastern Russia raise deer on farms for human consumption. This causes confusion and conflict for the leopards. Leopards attempt to hut the deer on farms and protective farmers protect their investments by killing the leopards. This actually contribute to extinction even more than poaching.
Numbering about 35 in the wild, the Amur Leopard is critically endangered because of its desirable pelts. These beautifully spotted furs are the main reason for the Amur Leopard's endangered status. Poachers are causing great stress on this Chinese and Russian species.
The beautiful pelts are sold at prices between $500 and $1000 with female pelts being at the lower end of that range. Many farming communities border the forests the leopards call home. This makes poaching easier and therefore a larger problem. The poachers exploit not only the Amur Leopard but also the leopard's prey. This makes life harder for the leopards down the line because of competition for prey. This competition is completely unnatural because one side is the human.
The Amur Leopard has to deal with another conflict based on food. Farmers in Eastern Russia raise deer on farms for human consumption. This causes confusion and conflict for the leopards. Leopards attempt to hut the deer on farms and protective farmers protect their investments by killing the leopards. This actually contribute to extinction even more than poaching.
http://awsassets.panda.org/img/v_solkin_far_eastern_leopard_358873.jpg
The Amur Leopard is a solitary and nocturnal animal. This being said, males will commonly stay with females after mating and may even take a role in rearing children. In some cases, a group of males will even follow a single female.
Breeding occurs during the spring and summer. Litters are generally between 1 and 4 cubs that are weaned at three months of age. The cubs will leave there mother at 1 and a half to 2 years of age.
Amur leopards live about 10 to 15 years and achieve sexual maturity at about 3 years of age. In captivity, they may live up to 20 years.
Amur leopards eat roe deer, sika deer, wild boar, hares, badgers, and raccoon dogs. They are strong hunters and protective of there food. Leopards take their killed prey with them to ensure that other animals do not eat their kills.
The Amur Leopard is a solitary and nocturnal animal. This being said, males will commonly stay with females after mating and may even take a role in rearing children. In some cases, a group of males will even follow a single female.
Breeding occurs during the spring and summer. Litters are generally between 1 and 4 cubs that are weaned at three months of age. The cubs will leave there mother at 1 and a half to 2 years of age.
Amur leopards live about 10 to 15 years and achieve sexual maturity at about 3 years of age. In captivity, they may live up to 20 years.
Amur leopards eat roe deer, sika deer, wild boar, hares, badgers, and raccoon dogs. They are strong hunters and protective of there food. Leopards take their killed prey with them to ensure that other animals do not eat their kills.
http://kittywampus.files.wordpress.com/2009/12/amurleopardbaby21.jpg
The Amur Leopard's summer pelt consists of hairs about 2 . 5 centimeters long. The winter pelt is about 7 centimeters long. The winter coat is much lighter in order to help the leopard hide in the snowy winter. Other physical distinctions include their long legs which may be an adaptation to help with walking in the snow. Adult males typically weigh between 32 and 48 kilograms. Females weigh between 25 and 43 kilograms.
The Amur Leopard's summer pelt consists of hairs about 2 . 5 centimeters long. The winter pelt is about 7 centimeters long. The winter coat is much lighter in order to help the leopard hide in the snowy winter. Other physical distinctions include their long legs which may be an adaptation to help with walking in the snow. Adult males typically weigh between 32 and 48 kilograms. Females weigh between 25 and 43 kilograms.