Endangerment of the Amur Leopard
There are only an estimated 35 individual Amur Leopards left in the wild. There are two main reasons for the critical endangerment of the species.
Recently, a discussion has taken place about a oil line that would run from Siberia to the sea of Japan. This would effect the Amur Leopards because it would cut through part of their natural habit, causing them to have even less land then they have now.
- Poaching--Amur Leopards are illegally hunted for their beautiful coat. The pelt is sold for $500-$1,000. There is a greater demand for them now because of their low numbers.
- Hunting--Farmers often kill Amur Leopards because they kill farmers livestock for food.
- Deforestation--Farmers burn Amur Leopard habitat for grazing land for cattle.
Recently, a discussion has taken place about a oil line that would run from Siberia to the sea of Japan. This would effect the Amur Leopards because it would cut through part of their natural habit, causing them to have even less land then they have now.