The world’s rarest big cat, the Amur or Far Eastern leopard (Panthera pardus orientalis), is on the brink of extinction.
A new census estimates that only 25 to 34 wild Amur leopards remain – at least 100 fewer would be needed to ensure survival, according to experts.
The numbers are very disappointing and the long-term prospects are that they will not be able to survive unless urgent measures are taken.
About 5000 square kilometers of land in the south-west Primorye region, close to the border between Russia, China and North Korea, was transected for the census and tracks left by the leopards in the snow were counted. Scientists were able to determine the number of Amur leopards by examining the shape, size and patterns of the tracks as well as determine the direction and time of the animals’ movement.
The recent census confirmed once again the Amur leopard (Panthera pardus orientalis) survives on very shaky ground.
The Amur leopard used to roam freely around the Korean peninsula and northeast China. Encroaching civilization, new roads, poaching, exploitation of forests and climate change all have contributed to the leopards’ plight, but that conservation efforts could save the species.
Fomenko said:
From my perspective, the leopards’ exact number is not the big question. What is really important is that the predator is on the brink of extinction. And still a unified protected area with national park status has not been established, which is the most important thing for the leopards’ survival.
At least four leopard litters were encountered during the census. This is a good sign because it means that the population is not completely depressed and is still able to restore itself. But for long-term survival, at least 100 animals are needed.
The February-March census was conducted by the World Wildlife Fund, the Wildlife Conservation Society and the Russian Academy of Science.
Image
Source