Amur leopard

THE SPOTTED MASTER CLIMBER

The leopard is the large cat species with the widest distribution – from the African savannah to tropical forests and mountainous regions over five kilometres high. This extensive range across many different habitats and climate zones has resulted in nine described subspecies, including the Amur leopard, which can be seen at the zoo.

The Amur leopard primarily lives in the Primorye region of southeastern Russia. The vast forest area can reach temperatures of up to 40 degrees Celsius in summer, while winter temperatures can drop below -30 degrees. In this harsh environment – as well as in northeastern China and Korea – fewer than 60 Amur leopards remain in the wild. The species is named after the Amur River, which flows through its range.
The Amur leopard has a thick, dense coat in winter months, while its summer coat is finer and thinner. It can always be recognised by its oval, black rosettes with a hollow centre and its golden-orange base colour. The striking colour pattern makes the Amur leopard difficult to spot in dense forest areas and serves as effective camouflage when it sneaks up on prey or rests in a tree.

The Amur leopard is an adept climber and uses its long, strong tail for balance as it moves quietly up and around tall trees. The trees serve as resting places but can also function as safe refuges from Amur tigers, which often steal prey after a successful hunt.

The Amur leopard is solitary and spends most of its life alone. When the female is in heat, she attracts males using scent pheromones secreted through her urine. When a female and male find each other, they typically stay together for only a few days. After mating, they part ways again, and the female alone raises the cubs if the mating is successful.

After a gestation period of about 100 days, typically two to three cubs are born in a carefully hidden den. The cubs are born fully furred but blind, opening their eyes only after about a week. During the first three months, the female moves the cubs between different dens to keep them safe. Afterwards, the cubs begin to follow the female around until they leave her at 13 to 18 months old to fend for themselves.