Meet the Amur leopard: The critically endangered big cat of the Far East

One Earth’s “Species of the Week” series highlights an iconic species representing the unique biogeography of each of the planet's 185 bioregions.

In the remote mountains of southeastern Russia and northeastern China—where winters are long and brutal and snow blankets the ground for months—lives one of the rarest big cats on Earth: the Amur leopard (Panthera pardus orientalis). These elusive predators roam the forests of Primorsky Krai and the Changbai Mountains, crossing frozen rivers and steep ridges between nations, where wild deer and boar still thrive.

Physical adaptations to the cold

Built for survival in frigid conditions, Amur leopards have long, thick, pale fur that insulates against the cold and blends seamlessly with snowy landscapes. Their winter coats can grow up to 70 millimeters (2.8 in) long and develop a rusty golden hue. Widely spaced dark rosettes—unique as fingerprints—set them apart from other leopard subspecies. 

Males, slightly larger than females, can weigh up to 48 kilograms (106 lb) and exceed over 1.22 meters (4 ft) in body length, not including their expressive tails.

The many names of the Amur Leopard

Named after the Amur River that winds through its historical range, the Amur leopard was first classified by British zoologist Reginald Innes Pocock in 1930. Over the years, it has also been called the Far Eastern leopard, Siberian leopard, and Korean leopard, reflecting the broader geography it once inhabited.

Diet and hunting strategy 

Solitary ambush predators, Amur leopards rely on stealth and patience. Their diet centers on Siberian roe deer, Manchurian sika deer, and wild boar, though they may also prey on hares, badgers, and even bear cubs. When wild prey is scarce, they sometimes raid deer farms.

A keystone predator in the forest ecosystem

As apex predators, Amur leopards regulate ungulate populations and help maintain ecological balance. Their presence signals healthy, intact ecosystems, particularly in prey-rich river basins and snow-free, south-facing slopes during harsh winters.

Behavior and territory

Highly solitary, Amur leopards establish territories ranging from 5,000 to 30,000 hectares, depending on prey density and gender. They reuse the same trails, hunting grounds, and resting spots for years, marking them with scrapes and scent.

From cubs to independent hunters

Amur leopards reach sexual maturity at two to three years old. Mating occurs in winter, and after a gestation of around 95 days, females give birth to one to three cubs. Cubs are weaned at three months but stay with their mothers for up to two years while learning to hunt and survive. In the wild, reproduction remains rare due to low population numbers and limited genetic diversity.

Multiple threats to survival

Amur leopards face a perfect storm of threats: illegal poaching for their skins, loss of prey species, forest fires, habitat fragmentation from road building and development, and diseases such as canine distemper. Their low genetic diversity raises the risk of inbreeding depression, and occasional competition with Siberian tigers can lead to lethal conflicts.

Global conservation efforts and hope for the future

Once reduced to fewer than 30 individuals in the wild, the Amur leopard population has shown cautious signs of recovery. As of 2023, roughly 130 adult and subadult individuals exist, thanks to transboundary cooperation between China and Russia, protected areas like Land of the Leopard National Park, anti-poaching patrols, and an expanding captive breeding program.

Reintroduction plans aim to establish a second population in the southern Sikhote-Alin Mountains. Conservationists emphasize the importance of genetic diversity, habitat connectivity, and reducing human-wildlife conflict. Led by the Amur Leopard and Tiger Alliance (ALTA), these coordinated international efforts strive to ensure that this magnificent species can once again thrive.