Endangered species of the month: The Amur leopard
23 August 2026
Elegant, agile and incredibly rare. The Amur leopard is one of the world's most endangered cat species, at Parken Zoo you can meet this fascinating leopard up close.
In nature, there are estimated to be only around100 Amur leopards kvar. Therefore, every individual is important for the future of the species.
A leopard for the cold climate
The Amur leopard lives in temperate mixed forests in southeastern Russia and the Amur region of China. Here winters can be cold, and the leopard's long and dense coat is a perfect adaptation to the climate.
It also differs from other leopards by its beautiful coat with large, rosette-shaped spots. Furthermore, the Amur leopard is a skilled climber and can take its prey up into the trees to eat undisturbed.
One of the world's most endangered felines
The Amur leopard is classified as under imminent threat, which means that the species is at an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild. One of the major challenges is that the leopard's habitat has decreased significantly. Deforestation and forest fires affect the areas where Amur leopard livers. The species has also been subjected to poaching.
When habitats disappear, it becomes harder for the leopards to find both shelter and food.
But there is hope
Despite the serious situation, there are positive signs. Atalent Amur leopards in the wild has increased somewhat in recent years and that reproduction in nature has also been observed. The increase is believed to be linked to various nature conservation and preservation efforts.
Here, zoos also play an important role.
Arken Zoo is participating in EEP – the European breeding programme for Amur leopard, where zoos collaborate to preserve a genetically healthy population and contribute to the species' long-term future.
Meet Amur leopard at Parken Zoo
Next time you visit Parken Zoo, stop by Amur leopard.
Look at the thick coat, the characteristic spots and the powerful paws. It can be easy to just see a beautiful leopard, but behind the fascinating exterior there is also an important story about conservation, hope and the fight to save a species from extinction.
By getting to know Amur leopard can we also understand why it is so important to protect the animals and habitats that remain.
Did you know that?
Threatened species of the month is a series where Parken Zoo highlights some of the species that need our help. Through knowledge, conservation and cooperation, we can together contribute to ensuring that endangered species have a future.