Amur Leopard News

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First published in Sanctuary Asia, Vol. 33 No. 6, June 2013
Photograph by Derek Ramsey (Ram-Man)/Wikimedia Commons.

The Amur leopard, one of the world's most endangered big cats, may be recovering as a new survey reveals an increase in its numbers. According to a survey conducted in 2007, this stunning cat's population had fallen to just 25 individuals. The most recent survey estimates about a 50 per cent increase with new numbers pitched at 50 individuals. In a press release, WWF-Russia said, "While we cannot help but be gladdened by this fact, it is no reason to let down our guard. 50 is still a critically small number for long-term persistence of [the] population." The survey also revealed that the leopard was expanding its range with a few individuals found on the Chinese side of the border and some sightings reported from North Korea.

Source: Sanctuary Asia.

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