Amur Leopard

The Amur leopard is a critically endangered species that is a good example of many of the challenges facing small population conservation that we have discussed in class. The Amur leopard is found only in parts of eastern Russia and China, and there are only an estimated 30-40 individuals in the wild. They are under threat due to a variety of factors, including hunting, habitat destruction due to fire, and inbreeding. Although there are conservation efforts in place, the political support for these efforts is not as strong as it should be. The good news is the World Wildlife Fund has talent he conservation of this animal on and there are many scientists now involved in it's conservation, with a very comprehensive and varied plan. Part of the plan includes control of fires in the region, part includes biomedical and genetic research, another educating local and non-local people about it's endangerment, and also anti-poaching efforts among others. For more information on this amazing animal, check out the WWF website for the Amur leopard http://www.amur-leopard.org/index.php?pg=1268737240

contributed by: Carly Rich