Each year, the WWF (World Wildlife Fund) takes an annual survey of Amur Leopards to help their estimation of how many amur leopards are left in the wild. This survey also aids in learning if the population is decreasing or increasing. The 2011 survey surprised many for there seemed to be a rise in the population's numbers.
Camera footage revealed an increase in the population of amur leopards. During the past 5 years, only 7 to 9 leopards were identified with the survey each year. Although this year, a total of 12 amur leopards were identified. The 2011 numbers are considered record-breaking compared to the previous 5 years. The positive results point to a population increase of up to 50% in the targeted region of Russia’s Primorsky Province, located between the Sea of Japan and the Chinese border, and can be attributed to:
- long term efforts made to support leopard conservation, including this annual survey conducted by WWF and partners
- improvements made to the management of the Kedrovaya Pad Reserve and Leopardovy Federal Wildlife Refuge, both primary habitat for Amur leopards
There are less than 50 amur leopard individuals so these results truly spring up hope for the future of these magnificent creatures. If the population continues to increase, the amur leopard won't go extinct. However, at the moment, they are critically endangered. If you would like to help save an amur leopard, you can visit: http://www.worldwildlife.org/gift-center/gifts/Species-Adoptions/Amur-Leopard.aspx.
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