Why is the Amur leopard in danger?

Loss of their forest habitat, insufficient prey and retaliatory killings by farmers are the biggest threats facing Amur leopards. Logging, forest fires and the conversion of forest for agriculture are the main causes of habitat loss. And this habitat is not only important to the leopard but also to the leopard's prey, such as deer and wild boar, which are further depleted by poaching. As the wild prey reduces, the leopards may venture into deer farms in search of food; farmers can be quick to react and leopards have been shot by farmers protecting their livelihoods.

How will WWF help save the Amur leopard?

WWF is working with a number of partners to increase the small number of Amur leopards to at least 50 cats over the coming years.

For example, efforts are being made to reduce forest fires that destroy the leopards' forest ranges and supplementary food is being provided for deer in the harshest of winters. Wild boar - another of the Amur leopards' prey animals - are being vaccinated against disease. More of these helathy prey animals mean Amur leopards have a better chance of survival.