Amur leopard

There are nine recognized subspecies of leopards including African, Indian, Javan, Arabian, Amur, North Chinese, Caucasian (also called Persian), Indochinese and Sri Lankan.

The Amur leopard (Panthera pardus orientalis) is also known as the Far East leopard, the Manchurian leopard or the Korean leopard. A subspecies of the leopard, these animals are found in the forested transboundary region that spans the Russian Far East and China.

This rare subspecies of leopard has adapted to life in the temperate forests that make up the northernmost part of the species’ range.

Amur Leopards have long bushy tails. With an average length of just under 3 feet. In the winter, Amur Leopards will use their tail to keep warm, wrapping it around themselves like a blanket.

Amur leopards have a paler coat than most subspecies of leopards, and large, dark, widely spaced rosettes with thick, unbroken rings. They weigh 70-105 pounds. Since they are so well adapted to living in the harsh, cold climate of the Russian Far East, they have a thick coat that can grow as long as 7 centimeters in winter.

Amur Leopards can run at speeds of up to 37 miles per hour. They are also excellent climbers and will carry their prey up trees to consume it away from potential scavengers.

In 2000, a survey found just 30 Amur leopards in a small area along the border of Russia and China, making the Amur leopard the rarest big cat on Earth. Today the Amur leopard’s population is estimated to have increased to more than 100 individuals in the wild, and more than 300 in zoos across the world.
Amur leopard

Leopard (Panthera pardus)

The scientific name of the leopard is Panthera pardus. The size of the leopard a close relative of the lion and tiger, varies from one part of its range to another. It is known for its spotted coat. Leopards are sometimes called panthers.

It is found in southern Asia through Central Asia and India into China, in parts of Arabia and in sub-Saharan and north eastern Africa.

The leopard can adapt to nearly any habitat, is usually nocturnal, and is said to have adapted better than other large cats to the human presence and activities.

They can feed in almost any type of prey and do not have very specific habitat requirements.

The male may be more than 6 feet (1.8 m) long, with a 3-foot (90 cm) tail and can weigh up to 200 pounds (90 kg).

The female is smaller and rarely exceeds 130 pounds (60 kg). The color and length of the leopard’s fur also vary with geographical location and with climate.

Most leopards have yellow fur on the back and white fur underneath. Dark spots cover much of the body. The size and spacing of the boots are different in different types of leopard.

Leopards are cunning hunters and possibly the stealthiest big cats. They are ambush hunters with means they like to stalk their prey first.

Then they pounce on to before the prey has a chance to escape.
Leopard (Panther pardus)