Description: Physical traits, kittens, & disposition
Amur Leopards are unique animals not only due to their attractive appearance, but also because of their peculiar lifestyle as well. Their beautiful coats vary in coloration and change with the seasons. During winter months, their fur is a light yellow color and during the summer, they are characterized by their reddish yellow coats ("Amur Leopard, WWF Panda, n.d.). The fantastic color and well defined spots of the Amur Leopard fur coat is valuable in illegal trade, thus sought after by consumers and poachers alike.
The Amur Leopard lifespan is similar to that of most other large mammals. In the wild, these leopards live between 10 and 15 years, however, in captivity, records show that some have lived to be 20 years old ("Amur Leopard," WWF, 2014). Considering their rather short lifespan, it is important that females are conserved to help with the natural reproduction of the species. Female Amur Leopards typically give birth to between 5 and 10 kittens throughout their life time (Vladivostok, 2006, p.12). Great efforts need to be made to not only keep mothers safe but also the kittens to ensure a healthy future of this endangered leopard sub-species.
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Amur Leopards are unique in comparison to all other Leopard sub-species because rather than living in warm climates such as the Sahara Desert, they inhabit the temperate forests of Russia and North China. Well adapted to harsh winters, Amur Leopards have longer legs than other sub-species ("Amur Leopard," WWF Panda, n.d.). Their long legs allow them to maneuver quickly through the deep snow and thick shrubbery. Amur Leopards are rather large, approximately 5 feet in length and their maximum weight ranges from 130-200 pounds depending on the gender (Vladivostok, 2006, p.12). Considering these animals are virtually solid muscle, it is surprising that they are in such a fragile state of existence.
These leopards are nocturnal and solitary; typically only interacting for mating purposes or to dispute territory boundaries ("Saving Wildlife," Wildlife Conservation Society, 2014). This solidarity explains why their previous territory used to cover such a large amount of land; to avoid conflict, leopards try to avoid overlapping territories. Territory disputes are especially dangerous because Amur Leopards can run up to 37 miles per hour, jump vertically up to 10 feet, and horizontally leap up to 20 feet ("Amur Leopard," WWF, 2014). Male Amur Leopards live and die alone, they do not spend any time with their offspring thus, raising the kittens is wholly the female's role (Vladivostok, 2006, p.12). Since humans are social beings, it is hard to imagine a life in isolation, but it is the way these creatures prefer to survive; protecting themselves and no one else.
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