Other threats

Russian hunters hunt sika deer as a trophy animal.

Poaching isn't the only threat to them. Russia does allow hunters to hunt sika deer, their main prey. As more and more people are hunting their prey, they are not able to find enough to support themselves, let alone cubs. Another big problem is habitat loss. More people are cutting down trees for wood (10,00 acres a year to be exact). Scientists have put aside parks for the leopards, but they are worried people will soon be allowed to cut down the parks too. But groups like ALTA and WWF use money to help protect their habitat. To help, you could donate to ALTA or adopt at WWF.

Amur Leopard poaching and anti poaching

Many groups such as WWF and ALTA have permission from russia to place anti poaching teams in siberia to arrest poachers and remove rifle traps. Rifle traps are traps that have rifles connected to tripwire, so when an animal steps on the wire the rifle goes off. Poachers use them so they will not get caught in the act, and the teams will only find the traps. Poachers will check the traps every week. The russian government knows what is happening and has placed more enforcements, and stricter penalties for poaching leopards and tigers. Most people think that poaching only hurts the animal, but it can also be a threat to people. If you hear the shot of a gun in the distance, do NOT approach it. Poachers have been known to kidnap or kill witnesses to keep their crime a secret. If hear a gunshot,call the police immediately. If you don't have cell service, get a map and mark your position with a pen/marker. Then get back to civilization and show your position to the police. they can be able to tell how far the poacher got based on your position, and what direction the gunshot came from.

Amur leopard anti poaching teams  in siberia are
allowed by the russian government to arrest poachers.

Amur Leopard Introduction

Amur Leopard

The Amur leopard is a subspecies of leopard living only in a small pocket of eastern Siberia. With only 35 - 40 individuals existing, it is the most endangered cat in the world. Amur leopards also have the thickest pelt of all felines, up to 7 cm thick! Another unique feature about them is that their pelt color also changes with the seasons, like the thickness of their coat. In the summer their coat is a golden color with tan inside their rosettes (spots). In the winter their coat is paler, blending right in to the snow. Their rosettes are also unlike other leopards. Most leopards have broken rosettes, but Amur leopards have unbroken rosettes. Amur leopards, though at the top of the food chain, do have 1 natural predator: The siberian tiger. Tigers will eat leopard cubs and steal leopard kills because of their massive size. Amur leopards can be 8 feet long and weigh 190 pounds, whereas tigers can weigh 250 pounds and be 10 feet long. To learn more watch the video and stay tuned for more posts!