The Amur leopard, native to the temperate forests of the Russian Far East and Northeast China, is one of the world’s most endangered big cats. The diet of this elusive predator is intrinsically linked to its survival. The availability of prey in its harsh, snowy habitat dictates its ability to endure and reproduce, making the study of its food sources a primary focus for conservation efforts.
Core Prey of the Amur Leopard
The foundation of the Amur leopard’s diet consists of ungulates, or hoofed mammals, that share its forest habitat. The most significant of these are roe deer and sika deer, with wild boar also representing a primary food source. These large animals provide a high-energy reward that can sustain a leopard for several days.
This preference is a matter of energy efficiency, as hunting requires a great expenditure of energy. The presence and density of roe deer, in particular, often influence where a leopard will establish its territory, directly tying the health of these prey populations to the leopards’ well-being.
Hunting Techniques
Amur leopards are solitary and primarily nocturnal hunters that rely on stealth and power. Their hunting method is centered on the ambush, using their distinct coat with widely spaced rosettes as camouflage against the forest floor. This allows them to stalk a target silently and get remarkably close before launching an attack.
Once within striking distance, a leopard uses a burst of speed, reaching up to 35 miles per hour, to close the gap and make the kill with a swift bite to the neck. To protect their meal from scavengers or competitors like Siberian tigers, leopards often drag their kills to a secluded spot, sometimes caching them high in trees.
Opportunistic Feeding and Seasonal Variations
While large ungulates form the bulk of their diet, Amur leopards are adaptable, opportunistic predators. When preferred prey is scarce, their diet can expand to include a variety of smaller animals such as:
- Hares
- Badgers
- Raccoon dogs
- Small rodents or birds
This dietary flexibility is dictated by the seasons. During harsh winters, heavy snowfall can make hunting larger prey difficult, causing leopards to shift their focus to smaller, more accessible animals. This ability to switch food sources allows the leopard population to persist when conditions are challenging.
Threats to the Food Supply
The Amur leopard’s survival is threatened by the instability of its food supply, with primary pressures on prey populations coming from human activities. Widespread deforestation for logging and agriculture shrinks the habitat for animals like roe deer and wild boar, reducing their numbers. This habitat loss directly impacts the leopards’ ability to find sufficient food.
Poaching of these same prey species by local human populations creates direct competition, further depleting food sources. Snares set for deer and other animals also pose a direct threat to the leopards themselves. Amur leopards also coexist with Siberian tigers, and competition for the same limited prey base adds another layer of pressure on this critically endangered cat.