Saving the Amur Leopard: Conservation in Russia’s Far East

The Amur leopard is one of the rarest big cats in the world, with fewer than 100 individuals left in the wild. In Russia’s Far East, a dedicated wildlife reserve works tirelessly to protect this critically endangered species. When a young female leopard, later named Luna, was found injured in a poacher’s snare, the reserve’s team rushed to her aid.

Luna was transported to a specialized rehabilitation center, where her wounds were treated by expert veterinarians. The team ensured her recovery in a stress-free environment, providing her with a diet similar to what she would find in the wild. To maintain her survival instincts, Luna was kept in an enclosure that mimicked her natural habitat, complete with dense vegetation and live prey.

Once Luna was fully healed, she underwent a rewilding program. Her movements and hunting skills were carefully observed to ensure she could thrive independently. After months of preparation, Luna was released into a secure part of the reserve, equipped with a GPS collar for tracking. Her release marked a significant milestone in the reserve’s efforts to conserve the Amur leopard, demonstrating the power of dedicated care and conservation strategies in saving species from the brink of extinction.