Although 2015 may be the year of the sheep, this tribute goes out to a slightly different animal. Recent studies have shown a remarkable comeback in the world’s most rarest big cat. The Amur Leopard. The Amur Leopard is a majestic and beautiful creature known to inhabit Russia and parts of China. It differs from regular leopards through its unique pattern and larger spots. But with beauty comes a price.
Unfortunately, these creatures have become victims to illegal trapping and hunting, causing the numbers of this large cat to decrease in drastic measures. In fact the Amur Leopard was put down as “critically endangered.” During the year of 2007, it was recorded that there were only 30 of them left in the wild. This greatly alarmed the Conservationists in Russia and China, and so they began working hard on preserving the Amur Leopards. In Russia, the Conservationists formed a whole preservation just for the leopards. This park is now called the Land of the Leopard National Park. There, these poor creatures can roam freely, while being protected from any “predators” (so to speak). While, the people in China are working hard on protecting them from any danger in the wild. And it is with great pleasure to say that their work has not gone unnoticed.
Today, both of these countries are proud to announce that the Amur Leopards are slowly making their way out of the “critically endangered” zone. The new studies have shown that there are currently about 60 of them altogether, which means that the number of Amur Leopards has doubled over the years. With such a fast return, the Conservationists are hopeful and look on to a brighter future.
But there is still much work to be done ahead. The Amur Leopards were one of those few lucky animals that were saved just in time. Yet, the world still holds many living things that need our help. If humans cannot physically help them, they can do it by spreading the word against illegal poaching and hunting. Throughout all history animals have provided us with food, clothing, and even furniture. The least we can do, is make sure that they are safe in the wild.
By: Ekaterina Z.
Edited by: Jeyda B.
Unfortunately, these creatures have become victims to illegal trapping and hunting, causing the numbers of this large cat to decrease in drastic measures. In fact the Amur Leopard was put down as “critically endangered.” During the year of 2007, it was recorded that there were only 30 of them left in the wild. This greatly alarmed the Conservationists in Russia and China, and so they began working hard on preserving the Amur Leopards. In Russia, the Conservationists formed a whole preservation just for the leopards. This park is now called the Land of the Leopard National Park. There, these poor creatures can roam freely, while being protected from any “predators” (so to speak). While, the people in China are working hard on protecting them from any danger in the wild. And it is with great pleasure to say that their work has not gone unnoticed.
Today, both of these countries are proud to announce that the Amur Leopards are slowly making their way out of the “critically endangered” zone. The new studies have shown that there are currently about 60 of them altogether, which means that the number of Amur Leopards has doubled over the years. With such a fast return, the Conservationists are hopeful and look on to a brighter future.
But there is still much work to be done ahead. The Amur Leopards were one of those few lucky animals that were saved just in time. Yet, the world still holds many living things that need our help. If humans cannot physically help them, they can do it by spreading the word against illegal poaching and hunting. Throughout all history animals have provided us with food, clothing, and even furniture. The least we can do, is make sure that they are safe in the wild.
By: Ekaterina Z.
Edited by: Jeyda B.