All endangered species are cause for concern, but this is especially true when the animal is as magnificent and powerful as the Amur Leopard. It is possible that many of us have heard of these animals previously because they are called a few different names. The Amur Leopard, also known as the Far Eastern Leopard, the Manchurian Leopard, or the Korean Leopard, has been officially labeled "Critically Endangered" by WWF ("Amur Leopard," 2014). This sub-species of leopard, scientifically named Panthera pardus orientalis, is called the "World's Rarest Cat" as they are the #1 most endangered big cat species in the world ("Saving Wildlife," Wildlife Conservation Society, 2014). In order to obtain this title, a species must be extremely close to extinction and needs immense conservation efforts to help them survive and multiply. Because of their grave state, the WWF organization has named them a "priority species" and put forth great effort to conserve them ("Amur Leopard," WWF Panda, n.d.). Before conservation efforts can take place, researchers and environmentalists need to be aware of exactly how many Amur Leopards are still living and how they behave.
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While different sources cite different numbers, the general consensus is that there are between 15 and 45 Amur Leopards still living in the wild; no one believes there are more than 50 (Vladivostok, 2006, p.14). The fragile state of this leopard sub-species is surprising because of their large size and dominating physical strength. Amur Leopards are of such great priority to conserve because they are one of the top predators of the world; they play a key role in maintaining balance within their habitat which in turn, effects the ecosystem of the forests they live in ("Amur Leopard," WWF UK, n.d.). These forests are where local human populations obtain food, water, and resources thus; the survival of the Amur Leopard is of value to them as well.
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