Amur Leopard by danob
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Description
The Amur leopard (Panthera pardus orientalis) is the northernmost of the eight leopard subspecies. The Amur leopard's range is overlapping with that of the Amur tiger or Siberian Tiger which range extends further to the north.
The Amur leopard's historic range extended throughout northeastern ("Manchurian") China, the southern part of Primorsky Krai in Russia and the Korean Peninsula. This range shrank dramatically during the 20th century, due primarily to habitat loss and hunting.
Today, it is critically endangered with only 27 to 34 individuals remaining in Southwest Primorye. There are probably up to 10 animals scattered throughout the Chinese Jilin and Heilongjiang Provinces, with the majority of animals concentrated near the Russian border.
The Amur leopard probably went extinct in the wild in South Korea in the late 1960s, although some recent, unconfirmed reports suggest that a few leopards may remain in and around the demilitarized zone between North and South Korea.
There are likely still leopards in the rugged northern region of North Korea near the Chinese border, and it is also likely that animals from Southwest Primorye in Russia occasionally cross the border into North Korea, but reliable information is lacking.
There are approximately 300 Amur leopards in captivity, mostly in zoos in Europe, North America and countries of the former Soviet Union. Most, but not all, of these leopards are in zoos participating in managed conservation breeding programmes.
Comments (55)
tizjezzme
This is SOOO beautiful ....
tallpindo
They won't let me growl and snarl at the big kitties like I do with the house cats so the zoo has taken on a more passive existence.
MrsRatbag
Great pose and wonderful shot!
MedTran39
Fantastic capture!
romanceworks
I adore leopards. What a stunning photo. CC
kgb224
Another sad story of us humand interfering with nature.Excellent capture my friend.
SoulEatar
As my mentor way back when you know - Well - I promised myself if I did this again I would not waste my time or anyone elses by leaving my scent through out with the at a boy comment thing - I am no great artist but do feel one can speak the truth through imagrey in a very powerful way - so I am back - because it does matter - So on with the show :) - From buttery files to big cats - and I thought with age came wisdom - Oh well - I do now know much more about the Amur than I ever needed to know ! :) - Steve Irwin really set the bencmark - y Your eye and gift for capture are as sharp as ever my friend - You know its between the lines ! right - as one man said " I'll be back !!!!
RodolfoCiminelli
Wonderful and spectacular shot Daniel.....!!!!
NekhbetSun
Shame how so many of the big cats are endangered....thank the Gods for caring people and their breeding programs ! Lovely shot ~
schonee
Beautiful!
Meisiekind
Beautiful leopard Danny! It is so sad that they are basically extinct. I hope that the breeding programmes will enable them to one day return to the wild where they belong. Great image! :)
Superastro
Wonderful capture of a beautiful creature :-)
GOLDILOCKSUK
What a beautiful creature you have captured it to perfection :) Cathy xoxoxxo
tetsu-pino
Excellent POV!! Cool and fantastic shot!!!
durleybeachbum
Another perfect image!
nongo
Such a cool cat!!!! Well done Danny!!!
alltheoriginalnames
A wonderful shot of such a beautiful creature. Very informative as well
marybelgium
excellent portrait !
sharky_
Beautiful animal... Aloha
LudyMelltSekher
Hello my dear friend, Wowww!!! What a beautiful and excelent photography,Super Wonderful!!! Congratulations!!! A million stars from me!!!**** Thanks you very much for you comments. Have a marvelous Wednesday.Hug and kiss in heart. Luminous blessings. Ludy (Sorry by signing so late)
Chrissyspics
That is gorgeous lovely!^_^ 5++++
lior
A so touching portrait Danny, I fav this photograph! Only Joy and Happiness in your life! Lior
mermaid
such a pretty animal and sad to hear its almost extinct... a wonderful shot, Danny
mps
It's a shame that there are so few of these lovely animals.
iaacf
Probably the rarest leopard species on earth..A beautiful capture of this extraordinary animal.