The Amur Leopard is the world's most endangered big cat.
The Amur Leopard is a critically endangered animal; which is one step away from becoming extinct. The Amur Leopard is so close to extinction, that there are thought to be only around 84 of the big cats living in the wild today. These big cats are found in China and Russia. Due to the Amur Leopard population being so small, they are one of the world's most endangered animals, and the worlds most endangered big cats.
The Amur Leopard population might be small, however: these animals have been something of a conservation success story. Although these animals are far from free of the risk of extinction, they have bounced back from the brink of extinction. In 2007, there were only 30 individual Amur Leopards left in the wild. Then, in 2015, the Amur Leopard population increased to 57 individuals. And, last year, the Amur Leopard population increased again to 84 individuals.
If the Amur Leopard shows us one thing: it's that even animals who are almost extinct, can be successfully conserved and brought back from the brink of extinction. There is a long long way for the Amur Leopard to go in being safe from extinction. However, there is more hope today of this big cats survival, than there was 12 years ago.
In saying that, this shouldn't underestimate the reality that still exists with the Amur Leopard. And that reality is: this big cat is still on the brink of extinction. They are only found in a small corner of the world, in China and Russia. With only 84 Amur Leopards existing in the wild today, it isn't hard to imagine that one day, in the near future, we are greeted with the news that the Amur Leopard has gone extinct. That that day will be when we will realize that all that exists of this magnificent species, is ghost-like memories of an animal that once existed on earth. An animal that exists no more.
We are the last generation(s) that can save the Amur Leopards. The footage above, might be the only way that we can see these beautiful animals. This footage is of an animal that is on the brink of extinction. It will be too late to care, or be concerned when the Amur Leopard extinct - our concern and care for these animals must be present now, if we are to save them.
Or, we risk losing them forever.
Although the future looks bleak for these big cats, it isn't hopeless. Through the last few years wildlife conservationists have successfully increased their numbers, which offers hope for the future for this beautiful animal. Hope resides in: protecting their habitat, increasing their habitat area and stopping the poaching of these animals. All of these things have contributed in the Amur Leopards demise. But, that doesn't mean the future has to be like that: it can be better!
You can help to make the future a better one for the Amur Leopard, by adopting an Amur Leopard with the WWF.