Leopards (Panthera pardus) are a group of animals that are grouped within the felines, specifically in the Pantherinae subfamily. Eight subspecies have been distinguished and, although they maintain a close relationship, as well as various common traits, they present certain differences between them, mainly in the habitats where they develop. Therefore, in this page of our site we want to focus on one of them, the Amur leopard.
These felids are beautiful animals that have some impressive behaviors, such as their agility and strength. The Amur leopard (Panthera pardus orientalis) also has certain characteristics that make it unique. Keep reading and know all the characteristics of the Amur leopard
Characteristics of the Amur Leopard
The Amur leopard has certain characteristics that allow it to be differentiated from other subspecies, they are the following:
- The most distinctive feature is its fur, which during the winter season measures about 7 cm long, while in summer it can be reduced to about 2.5 cm.
- The fur also changes color depending on the season, being light yellow in winter, but reddish and brighter towards summer.
- The typical rosettes of the group are also characteristic in this species, since they have more spaces between them, about 2.5 cm, and the edges are thicker. The size of each rosette is approximately 5 cm x 5 cm.
- Males are larger and heavier than females, weighing between 32 and 48 kg; very rarely do they reach 75 kg. The females, on the other hand, weigh between 25 and 43 kg.
- The tail is long and around 80 cm.
- The males can have dimensions close to 2 meters in length.
- Unlike other types of leopards, this subspecies has longer legs, which is probably an adaptation to move better way on the snow.
As a fun fact, the Amur leopard is also known as the North China leopard and includes the subspecies P. p. japonensis.
Where does the Amur leopard live?
The Amur leopard is native to China and the Russian Far East. It also differs from other leopards because of the habitat in which it lives. Currently, it is only present in northeast China, the border with Russia, and perhaps some exist in North Korea.
Amur leopard habitat
The habitat type of the Amur leopard corresponds to mixed coniferous forest, deciduous forest, mountainous areas and rocky areas It is well adapted to be in regions with heavy snowfall and very low temperatures several months of the year. In some areas it is present between 600 and up to 1200 meters of elevation.
Some protected areas where the Amur leopard has been seen are the Hunchun National Nature Reserve and the Foping National Nature Reserve, both in China.
Customs of the Amur Leopard
Like other types of leopard, the Amur leopard is a solitary animal, except for females when they are with their young. However, it has been reported that in some areas some males may stay with the female while raising her pups[1]
On the other hand, the Amur leopard is active during the day and twilight, both in summer and winter. Its territories are strongly associated with the availability of prey, and this feline is very faithful to the areas it establishes as its own, which is why, over time, it remains on the same migratory routes, resting and hunting places.
Territory overlapping occurs very rarely because there are often clashes for this reason. On the other hand, adult males tend to have larger territories than females and juveniles.
Amur leopard feeding
The Amur leopard, like the rest of its relatives, is a carnivorous animal, which depends on hunting prey to feed. The greater activity of this feline coincides with that of some of the animals on which it feeds. Among the different species on which it feeds we find:
- Siberian roe deer
- Manchurian sika deer
- Ussuri Boar
- Manchurian Wapiti
- Siberian Musk Deer
- Amur Moose
- Hares
- Asian Theon
- Birds
- Mice
- Asian Black Bear Cubs
In the article on What do leopards eat we talk about the different hunting techniques, don't miss it!
Amur leopard reproduction
Another characteristic of the Amur leopard is its reproduction. The females have a well-established territory in which they also reproduce. Individuals usually reach sexual maturity after 2 yearsFemales have a mating period that lasts 12 to 18 days and, although this species can generally breed all year round, the Amur leopard in particular does so mainly in spring and early summer.
The gestation time is about 95 days on average. Litters are usually 2 to 3 puppies weighing a maximum of 700 grams. At birth, they are totally dependent on the mother because they are blind until at least the first week of life, when they open their eyes. It is not until the second month when they begin to explore outside the burrow and begin to eat food brought by the mother, before they only fed on breast milk. Weaning can occur at approximately 6 months.
The Amur leopard becomes fully independent at two years of age, although in some cases they may last a little longer.
Conservation status of the Amur leopard
Although the species is listed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as vulnerable, the Amur leopard has a different classification and is considered endangered critical of extinction, since, although it is estimated that the population may have increased slightly, it should not exceed 60 adult individuals, something really dramatic. However, recognized foundations such as the World Wide Fund for Nature [2] estimate around 100 leopards in the wild.
Now, why is the Amur leopard endangered? The reasons for this situation have been the relentless hunting against the feline for its skin, illegal trade, transformation of the habitat for the development of roads and other constructions, fires, deforestation and climate change. However, some conservation initiatives are working to stop the extinction of the Amur leopard.
