IUCN / SSC Cat Specialist Group - Digital Cat Library |
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| Spitzen, V.V.; Miquelle, D.G.; Darman, Y.A.; Aramilev, V.V.; H”tte, M.; Bereznyuk, S.L.; Laptev, A.A.; Aramileva, T.S.; Myslenkov, A.A.; Kerley, L.L.; Salkina, G.; Arzjanova, T.D.; Solkin, V.A.; Pikunov, D.G.; Fomenko, P.V.; Aramelev, S.; Kostyria, A.V.; Uphyrkina, O.; Christie, S.; Lewis, J.; Hebblewhite, M.; Seidensticker, J.; Breitenmoser, U.; Lukas, J. | |
| A program for reintroduction of the Far Eastern leopard into southern Sixhote-Alin, Primorskii Krai, Russian Far East | |
| 2012 Full Book | |
The leopard has an extensive range stretching through much of the African continent and a large portion of Asia, reaching its easternmost point in Southwest Primorsky Krai in the Russian Far East. As many as 27 leopard subspecies have been described but presently, nine subspecies are recognized. The Far Eastern, or Amur leopard (_Panthera pardus orientalis_) is one of the most endangered subspecies of large cats. Reduced to a fraction of its original population, the last remaining 25-34 individuals cling to existence in Southwest Primorsky Krai Russia. There are a few individuals remaining in Jilin and Heilongjiang Provinces of northeast China along the border with Russia and perhaps some in North Korea, although their status there is uncertain. Because the majority of Far Eastern leopards occur in Southwest Primorsky Krai, the Russian Federation has primary responsibility for the survival of this subspecies. Recognized as a genetically discrete subspecies, the Far Eastern leopard deserves protection as a unique genetic contribution to the species and to the region. Just as importantly, as a carnivore at the top of the trophic chain, the Far Eastern leopard acts as an indicator of ecosystem health and integrity. The leopard's importance, therefore, extends well beyond its status as one of many species threatened in a region with a unique and dwindling forest ecosystem. |
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