Amur Leopard Critically Endangered

Leopards live in sub-Saharan Africa, NE Africa, Central Asia, India and China but despite this wide geographic spread – the largest distribution of any wild cat – many of their populations are endangered. For instance, the rare, solitary Amur Leopard is listed as “critically endangered” with a population in the wild of only around 60 remaining individual cats. And the highly adaptable, nimble snow leopard is listed as “endangered” with a population of only around 4,000 – 6,500 in the wild.

It should not be a surprise that the biggest predators of these wonderful animals are humans. Sadly, these cats’ beauty is contributing to its decline towards extinction – demand for leopard fur and other body parts is driving a robust poaching market. In addition, hunting, habitat loss and retaliatory killings are additional pressures resulting in many of the Leopard subspecies teetering on the brink of disaster.

These beautiful, solitary creatures deserve a chance to thrive in the wild. Let’s pass strong laws to end the illegal trade in leopard skins and other parts.