conservation efforts
Conservationists have gone to great lengths to protect the natural habitat of Amur Leopards with the hopes that it will allow them to repopulate and deviate from their "Critically Endangered" status. The most official and organized effort to protect leopard territory was the establishment of the Land of the Leopard National Park in Russia in 2012 ("Amur Leopard," WWF, 2014). This park has an area of 650,000 acres, which covers approximately 60% of the remaining Amur Leopard habitat ("Amur Leopard," WWF, 2014). This large plot of land will allow the leopard population to increase without limiting each leopard's territory. WWF ("Amur Leopard," 2014) also successfully lobbied against the building of an oil pipeline that was planned to go directly through Amur Leopard territory in 2007. Thus, not only are the big cats themselves being protected, but their land is as well and this gives the species a great chance at recovery.
In addition to protecting Amur Leopard habitat, there are efforts to control hunting, poaching, and land usage as well. The hunting of leopards has been illegal since 1956 and capturing them became illegal in 1966 (Vladivostok, 2006, p.30). While this does not stop poachers from tracking leopards, it is certainly does help. The WWF ("Amur Leopard," 2014) actively monitors poaching activity as well and any individuals who are involved in illegal and/or unsustainable logging practices within the leopard territory. Organizations, such as the WWF, also make an effort to educate locals about the Amur Leopard's critical state to prevent hunting. Many organizations have joined together to protect the future of the Amur Leopard, now it is important to understand what you can do to help.
In addition to protecting Amur Leopard habitat, there are efforts to control hunting, poaching, and land usage as well. The hunting of leopards has been illegal since 1956 and capturing them became illegal in 1966 (Vladivostok, 2006, p.30). While this does not stop poachers from tracking leopards, it is certainly does help. The WWF ("Amur Leopard," 2014) actively monitors poaching activity as well and any individuals who are involved in illegal and/or unsustainable logging practices within the leopard territory. Organizations, such as the WWF, also make an effort to educate locals about the Amur Leopard's critical state to prevent hunting. Many organizations have joined together to protect the future of the Amur Leopard, now it is important to understand what you can do to help.
how you can help
1. Educate:
It is important not only for Russian locals to understand the grave state that the Amur Leopard is in, but it is also beneficial for citizens of the world as well. Conserving species is a global effort that needs the help of people all over the world; spread the word and help save the Amur Leopard. |
2. Adopt an Amur Leopard/Donate:
Anyone and everyone have the ability to directly influence the conservation of the Amur Leopard. Numerous organizations such as WWF ("Amur Leopard," 2014), have programs called "Adopt a Leopard" in which donations are made in return for the reassurance that leopards are being protected and cared for. There are a significant number of conservation organizations accepting donations which are used to help supply resources that aid in the repopulation of these leopards ("Amur Leopard," WWF UK, n.d.). Whether you can afford to send $1 or $1 million, any donation is helpful. |
3. Volunteer/Get Involved:
If you are motivated to actively help the Amur Leopards survive, join organizations and help gather donations or even become part of planning boards to help rescue Amur Leopards from extinction. |