North Chinese leopard

Animals in Asia

North-Chinese leopard 

The North-Chinese leopard (Panthera pardus japonensis) is one of the nine subspecies of leopards (Panthera pardus). Common to all leopards is their distinctive golden fur with black rosettes and their unmatched hunting skills.

The body size and color of leopards varies geographically and probably reflects adaptations to the very diverse habitats of the different subspecies.

Leopards are perfectly adapted to ambush attacks in densely populated areas. Leopards are incredibly powerful animals that can kill prey up to 10 times larger than themselves. The primary prey are medium-sized mammals of approx. 40-50 kg, and like other cat species, the leopard is known to hunt for desire and opportunity, although they have several vultures stored in its territory.

Although the leopard (the species as a whole) is "only" classified as "near threatened," many subspecies and subpopulations are at high risk of being eradicated. This is mainly due to habitat loss and fragmentation, illegal hunting and pest control.

Leopards are generally good at adapting to changes in their habitats, and even in areas close to human habitation. The conservation of wild leopards seems relatively positive as long as their habitats can be secured. As it seems now, the leopard is protected in most of their natural habitats in western Asia. However, the population of the North Chinese leopards that we work with in Ree Park Safari is considered too small in number to maintain a healthy genetic variation among the leopards in the area.

Leopards are solitary and night-active animals, but they do hunt during the day on cloudy days, too. Leopards are promiscuous, with both genders having multiple partners. Females attract potential partners using pheromones (fragrances) in their urine. When a couple meets, the female will lure the male by going back and forth in front of him, waving her tail and rubbing herself up against him.

Pairings can last throughout the year. In China and Siberia, leopards breed primarily in January and February.