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The Amur leopard (Panthera pardus orientalis) is a critically endangered subspecies of leopard native to the temperate forests of the Russian Far East and northeastern China. Known for its stunning, thick coat with large, widely spaced rosettes, the Amur leopard is well-adapted to its cold environment. It has long legs and a thick tail that help it navigate through deep snow, making it one of the few leopards adapted to snowy habitats.

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These leopards are solitary animals and are primarily nocturnal, hunting at night. They have a varied diet that includes roe deer, sika deer, hares, and small rodents. Amur leopards are incredible athletes, capable of running up to 37 miles per hour and leaping more than 19 feet horizontally and up to 10 feet vertically.

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Fun fact: Despite their formidable hunting skills, Amur leopards often cache their kills to protect them from scavengers. They are known to drag their prey up trees to keep it safe from other predators like tigers and wolves.

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The Amur leopard is critically endangered, with an estimated population of fewer than 100 individuals in the wild. The primary threats to their survival are habitat loss due to logging, human-induced forest fires, and poaching. Additionally, prey depletion and human-wildlife conflict pose significant challenges.

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Conservation efforts are crucial for the survival of the Amur leopard. Protecting their habitat, implementing anti-poaching measures, and supporting breeding programs are essential steps in ensuring their future. By raising awareness and fostering community involvement, we can help protect these magnificent animals and preserve the biodiversity of their natural habitats.