Nearly Extinct Amur Leopard Killed by Hunters

Only 25 Amur Leopards Left in Wild

A conservation group in Far East Russia near the North Korean and Siberian border, found the body of a nearly extinct Amur Leopard. The large cat had been shot and bludgeoned to death. Preservationists have counted between 25 and 31 Leopards left in the wild. The gruesome find came after Conservation Groups around the world have tried to aide certain species from certain obliteration. Amur Leopards are known to live only in the cold wild forest regions of Northern Russia. Scientists have stated that at least 100 of the animals are needed to prevent extinction. Only seven leopards left are females. It was not known whether the slain cat was male or female. When large cats are stressed they produce only male offspring.

The Amur Leopard who lives in mostly frigid conditions, grows fur up to 7cm. in length for warmth. The leopards are excellent climbers and can leap vertically up to 10 to 15 feet. The beautifully marked cats are mostly active at night. They exist on a diet of native deer, wild boar, and rabbits which they hunt at night. Their longer hair and long legs make them capable of surviving in the extreme climate of Siberia. They are also very strong swimmers and can run up to 37 miles per hour. The male leopard can weigh up to 198 # at maturity and a female can weigh as much as 132 #. The female gives birth to as many as 6 cubs in a litter. They give birth in the Spring or early Summer months. The Leopard was originally thought to be a cross between a Lion and a Panther. In most parts of the world the word Panther means Leopard.