The Amur leopard is a critically endangered subspecies of leopard native to the Primorye region of far southeastern Russia and adjacent northern China, the northernmost population of any leopard in the world. Fewer than 130 sub-adult and adult individuals were estimated to survive as of 2023, a dramatic recovery from a low of only 19 to 26 wild leopards estimated in 2007, though the subspecies remains critically endangered. Genetic research has shown the Amur leopard to be closely related to leopard populations once found in northern China and Korea, and a once-separate North Chinese leopard subspecies was folded into it in 2017 after study showed the two were not genetically distinct.
Facts
Classification
System (Realm) Relationship to People Living or ExtinctDerived from this species' own Conservation Status: this atlas's IUCN category list has no Extinct value, so a set conservation-status is itself evidence of living status. Identification
Distinguishing AppearanceThick, pale cream coloured fur, especially in winter, easily distinguishing it from other leopard subspecies; rosettes on the flanks are widely spaced with thick, unbroken rings and darkened centres. 1 Comparison
CITES Appendix Scientific NamePanthera pardus orientalis 1 Conservation Status Partially Attested
Population EstimateSource gives a range, 128 to 130 individuals as of 2023; value used is the midpoint. Connections
Child Taxon Of
In Biome
Desert, Biomes Source Animal Diversity Web, University of Michigan Museum of Zoology: Animal Diversity Web: Panthera pardus
Source Animal Diversity Web, University of Michigan Museum of Zoology: Animal Diversity Web: Panthera pardus
In Ecosystem
Source World Wildlife Fund
In the Other Atlases
Found In
Also in Geography Atlas: where this subject is found.
Sources
1. Amur leopard, Wikipedia
Introduction
The Amur leopard (Panthera pardus orientalis) is a leopard subspecies native to the Primorye region of southeastern Russia and northern China.
Infobox, conservation status line
Critically Endangered
Population section
128-130 sub-adult and adult individuals
Characteristics section
The Amur leopard can easily be differentiated from other leopard subspecies by its thick, pale cream-coloured fur, particularly in winter.
article text (relationship to people), EntityId 284415
They were hunted on the Korean Peninsula for their skins and were extensively persecuted during Japanese rule.
Article text
The Amur leopard is listed in CITES Appendix I.
View the Source2. Animal Diversity Web, University of Michigan Museum of Zoology: Animal Diversity Web: Panthera pardus
Animal Diversity Web, University of Michigan Museum of ZoologyPrimary Diet, Panthera pardus
Primary Diet carnivore carnivore
In Biome: Desert, Habitat Regions, biome: desert or dune
desert or dune desert or dune
In Biome: Tropical Rainforest, Habitat Regions, biome: rainforest
rainforest rainforest
View the Source 3. Amur leopard (Wikipedia)
native to the Primorye region of southeastern Russia and northern ChinaView the Source 4. GBIF Species API
Wikidata: Amur Leopard
Wikidata Q192967, class allow-list match (w-wdresolver-0926)View the Source Catalogue of Life
Species 2000 & ITIS Catalogue of LifeChild Taxon Of: PantheraView the Source World Wildlife Fund
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