Silent, sleek, and strong, Amur leopards are deadly hunters of deep forests. They roam large areas in search of prey. Their long, thick coat and long legs help them survive the cold and deep snow of eastern Asia.
What They Eat
Amur leopards rely mostly on small deer (sika and roe) for food. They carry their kill to a high point for safe storage. One carcass can feed an adult most of a week.
Where They Live
Not long ago, Amur leopards lived over a wide area of northern China, the Koreas, and a small part of Russia’s Far East. Expanding human populations have reduced the wilderness and isolated the leopard.
What They Do
These stealthy, speedy hunters excel at climbing and jumping. They prefer to be alone rather than in the company of other Amur leopards, and keep and defend territories of up to 60 square miles—about the size of Minneapolis.
How They’re Doing
With deer populations declining and habitat being disrupted, these magnificent animals teeter on the brink of extinction. Fewer than 50 individuals live in the wild. But hope remains: recent public campaigns have saved their last refuge, and some old habitat may be restored.
Where in the World
Asia
Habitat
Temperate Forest/Taiga
Conservation Status
Animal Facts
Weight: 75–155 pounds
Length: 7 feet, including tail
Lifespan: 10–12 years
Litter size: 2–3 cubs
Taxonomic Category
Mammal, carnivore
Where at the Zoo
Russia’s Grizzly Coast
Amur leopards are on the brink of extinction due to the loss of habitat, loss of prey, and poaching. By 2008 only 30 Amur leopards remained in the wild, isolated in a small (1,000-square-mile) pocket at the tip of Russia’s Pacific coast. The good news? An oil pipeline planned through their remaining habitat has been rerouted. New protections in China have expanded their potential territory, and efforts are underway to restore and protect additional habitat. Someday leopard from zoos may be reintroduced into newly protected habitats.
Things the Zoo’s done/doing
The Minnesota Zoo Foundation, funded by grants and donations, contributes to programs to preserve existing populations and increase habitat in the wild. It also helps manage zoo populations across the United States to maximize the genetic diversity needed to help the animals thrive if and when they are reintroduced into the wild.
In 2003, the Minnesota Zoo’s Ulysses S. Seal Conservation Grant Program awarded $2,500 to international efforts to census Amur populations in the wild and determine their viability.
In 2007, the program provided funding to purchase camera setups, film, and batteries for a project assessing the suitability of a nature reserve in Russia for a future reintroduction program. The Minnesota Zoo Foundation also contributes $20,000 annually to Amur leopard conservation.
