New data on the size of the population of the Far Eastern leopard received in Russia

The population of one of the rarest cats in the world - the Far Eastern leopard - is increasing in Russia. In a study conducted by scientists of the Directorate of Reserves “Land of the Leopard”, the number of recorded individuals in the wild has already increased to 129. At least 14 leopard kittens have also been born in the past year.

The population is expanding more and more beyond the protected areas, which is confirmed by the frequent cases of eyewitnesses meeting with leopards, Viktor Bardyuk, director of the Land of the Leopard, emphasized. The growth of the population, which was not so long ago on the verge of complete extinction, is the result of the selfless efforts of many Russian specialists, primarily those who are fighting for the preservation of biodiversity in the first row, in protected areas. We will continue to work on preserving natural habitats, fighting fires and poaching.

Earlier, in 2023, it was reported that 125 leopards were recorded in the region. The results of the research show that the population remains stable, and due to its growth, wild animals settle outside protected areas, return to the territory where they were exterminated in the last century. Experts have processed more than a million photos of traps. More than 15,000 images of leopards have been found. The data is analyzed using a special program for individual identification. As a result, each individual can be identified by a unique spotted pattern on the body. The network of photo traps covers an area of more than 300 thousand hectares.

Material and photos prepared and provided by the national park.