Some of these incredible images and video footage show the Amur leopard in its native habitat and provide information vital to the conservation of this critically endangered species. Less than 50 Amur leopards exist in the wild.

Camera trap footage from a survey on a group of critically endangered Amur leopards in the Russian Far East has yielded unexpectedly positive results, giving evidence that some wild populations of the big cat are showing clear signs of a tendency towards growth. More here

The Amur leopard (Panthera pardus orientalis) was once found throughout the temerparte forest habitats of the Korean Peninsula, northeastern China, south-eastern Russia and the Amur River Valley on the Russian-Chinese border; the majority of its range overlapping with that of the Siberian tiger, another critically endangered cat species.

The leopard is a skillful hunter and is well adapted to living in temperate forests and the harsh, cold climate of the Russian Far East. But years of indiscriminate logging, forest fires, land conversion for farming and poaching has drastically reduced its territory by as much as 80%.

Today, less than 40 Amur leopards can be found in the wild.

WWF, together with its partners, is supporting anti-poaching activities and habitat restoration throughout the leopard’s range in the Russian Far East. This includes implementing programmes to stop the illegal trade of Amur leopard skins and parts, and to increase the population of its prey, such as roe and sika deer.

Scientists continue to monitor the rare cat’s plight using camera traps as part of efforts to develop effective conservation measures. With proper management and support, the Amur leopard can be saved from extinction.