Licking the spots off

With only 30 - 40 remaining in the wild, the Amur leopards are listed in international, federal and regional levels as critically endangered and are in immediate danger of extinction.

In captivity, the situation is also very serious, as interbreeding with animals of unknown heritage has affected a large percentage of the captive breeding pool. Because of this, of the 150 remaining in captivity only 12 are purebreds.

Although the leopard and tiger have overlapping ranges, there has been very little research done to protect the Amur leopard and it has virtually been ignored. Indeed I must admit that before I took this set of photos of the Amur Leopard I knew next to nothing about them.

To find out more or to donate towards the Amur Leopard's cause then follow this link: http://www.amur-leopard.org/