There are only about 37 wild Amur leopards left on Earth. But a recent WWF-supported study has discovered that their numbers are stable and there is a perfect balance between the sexes – providing an ideal platform for population growth.
It is estimated that 80% of the Amur leopard’s range was lost between 1970 and 1983. They are now limited to just 5,000 sq km, an area only a quarter of the size of Wales. Loss of forest habitat to farmland, loss of prey to poachers and retaliatory killings triggered when leopards prey on deer farms are among the main causes of their tragic decline.
This latest research underlines the unprecedented urgency of our conservation action required to protect them, and the importance of your support. It also gives real hope that our efforts can succeed.
One of the greatest threats to endangered species is that their small, dispersed populations can mean a lack of breeding opportunities. As well as the obvious impact on numbers, it’s vital to avoid inbreeding if a healthy species is to be maintained.
Field researchers tracked the big cat’s prints through the winter snow, and in other seasons used specially trained dogs to track down samples of leopard droppings, scratch marks and hair. These were tested to differentiate between leopards and other animals, then between males and females. They were eventually able to estimate the number of leopards, the sex ratio and even the location of the habitat of each individual. They identified 18 males and 19 females. This is a small increase on the last count and provides good prospects of future breeding pairs.
Sergei Aramilev is Species Conservation Programme Coordinator for WWF-Russia. He hopes this groundbreaking approach will continue to inform WWF’s conservation efforts. We support local communities, regional authorities, government and other non-governmental organisations to increase areas of protected land as well as reduce illegal and unsustainable logging. We also promote responsible forestry and help increase wild deer and boar prey populations. Working with TRAFFIC, the wildlife trade monitoring network, we also help governments enforce trade restrictions on Amur leopard products.
“We hope in the future that the specialists will also be able to evaluate the genetic diversity of the leopard population which will enable us to see the possibilities for population growth,” said Sergei. “Out of all existing research methods this is the most progressive and safe.”