Snow Leopards

Snow Leopards: Elusive and Endangered

Powerful yet vulnerable, the snow leopard is one of the world’s most elusive big cats. Native to the mountain ranges of Central and South Asia, these graceful predators face severe threats from poaching and declining prey populations.

As a member of the Panthera genus, snow leopards are built for rugged, high-altitude environments. Protecting their habitat is essential to ensuring their survival in the wild.

Amur Leopard: A Rare and Resilient Predator

While leopards are often associated with African savannas, the Amur leopard has uniquely adapted to the temperate forests of the Russian Far East, the northernmost part of its range. This critically endangered subspecies is incredibly fast, reaching speeds of 37 mph, and can leap over 19 feet horizontally and 10 feet vertically.

Solitary and agile, Amur leopards carry and hide their kills to protect them from other predators. Some males stay with females after mating and may even help raise cubs. They typically live 10–15 years in the wild and up to 20 years in captivity.

Also known as the Far East leopard, Manchurian leopard, or Korean leopard, only around 84 individuals remain in the wild, making conservation efforts critical for their survival.

Threats to the Amur Leopard: Poaching & Prey Scarcity

Illegal Wildlife Trade

The Amur leopard is heavily poached for its beautiful spotted fur. In 1999, an investigation found leopard skins being sold for as little as $500–$1,000 near Russia’s Kedrovaya Pad reserve. The forests where these leopards live are surrounded by villages and farmland, making them easily accessible to poachers.

Poaching also affects the leopard’s prey, including roe deer, sika deer, and hares, which are hunted for food and income. A declining prey population further threatens the survival of this critically endangered species.

Prey Scarcity

Although large areas of suitable habitat remain in Russia and China, prey populations are too low to sustain healthy leopard and tiger populations. Sustainable forest management and stronger protections against poaching are essential for prey recovery. Without a stable food source, Amur leopards cannot expand into their former range, making conservation efforts critical to their long-term survival.

OUR PLEDGE

At our store, we celebrate these majestic animals while raising awareness about their conservation. Every purchase helps spread the message and support efforts to protect gorillas for future generations.