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Panthera pardus japonensis és una subespècie del lleopard (Panthera pardus).[2] És un animal gros, amb un pelatge ataronjat més fosc i taques negres més grans que altres subespècies.[3] Es troba al nord de la Xina.[4][5][6][7] N'hi ha 2.500 exemplars en estat salvatge en poblacions molt fragmentades i 100 en captivitat.[3]
Panthera pardus japonensis és una subespècie del lleopard (Panthera pardus). És un animal gros, amb un pelatge ataronjat més fosc i taques negres més grans que altres subespècies. Es troba al nord de la Xina. N'hi ha 2.500 exemplars en estat salvatge en poblacions molt fragmentades i 100 en captivitat.
Levhart čínský či levhart skvrnitý čínský (Panthera pardus japonensis) je poddruh či nejnověji pouhá forma (taxonomická revize vydaná roku 2017 ho řadí k poddruhu levhart mandžuský)[2] levharta skvrnitého žijící ve východní a severovýchodní Číně. Podobá se levhartu mandžuskému, má však tmavší oranžovo–cihlové zbarvení. Živí se především savci malé a střední velikosti. Areál jeho výskytu je značně fragmentovaný. Jeho život v divočině je velmi málo probádán a IUCN tento poddruh podle stupně ohrožení nevyhodnocuje.[3][4][5][6]
Britský zoolog John Edward Gray popsal levharta čínského v roce 1862 na základě jedné kožešiny. Nazval ho nesprávně levhartem japonským (Leopardus japonensis), neboť se domníval, že kožešina pochází z Japonska.[7] Pojmenování binomické se sice změnilo na trinomické, ale jméno japonensis vypuštěno nebylo, ačkoliv alternativní názvy se objevily. V Číně je tato kočkovitá šelma nazývána 华北豹 nebo 中国豹 (podle pin-yin přepisu huáběi bào a zhōngguó bào), což znamená „čínský levhart“ nebo „severočínský levhart“. Někdy je zde označován jako „zlato-mincový levhart“, neboť jeho barva může mít zlatavý odstín a rozety připomínají mince.[8]
Nejnovější taxonomie (z roku 2017) publikovaná pod patronací Mezinárodního svazu ochrany přírody ho nevyděluje jako samostatný poddruh, nýbrž ho zařazuje k poddruhu Panthera pardus orientalis neboli k levhartu mandžuskému.[2]
Levhart čínský se zbarvením své srsti liší od jiných poddruhů. Má obvykle velmi tmavou podkladovou barvu na bocích a hřbetu. Ta je výrazně okrová, žlutohnědá a někdy až cihlově oranžová. Spodní část bývá naopak velmi světlá. Rozety jsou velké a uvnitř nich místy bývají černé skvrny. Tím se levhart čínský podobá jaguárovi.[9] Rozměry jde o průměrný až mírně nadprůměrný poddruh. Celková délka se pohybuje mezi 1,8–2,2 metru, hmotnost osciluje mezi 22 kg (malé samice) až 75 kg (velcí samci).
Levhart čínský žije pouze na území Číny. Je ostrůvkovitě rozšířen v mnoha provinciích ve středu, severovýchodě a východě země.[10] Zdá se, že provincie Šan–si je nejpříhodnějším místem pro jeho výskyt. Na jihu přichází jeho území do styku s územím levharta indočínského. V severovýchodních provinciích se dříve potkával s levhartem mandžuským, jehož areál výskytu se však výrazně zmenšil a dnes jsou tato setkání zcela výjimečná.
Levhart čínský obývá především vrchovinné až hornaté oblasti s dostatkem hustých lesů, ale může se vyskytnout i ve stepích a polopouštích. Velikost populace je těžko kvantifikovatelná a i kvalifikované odhady se navzájem značně liší. V roce 2010 se předpokládalo, že celkem v Číně žije méně než 4 000 levhartů ze čtyř poddruhů (l. čínský, l. indočínský, l. mandžuský a l. indický).[10] Novější průzkumy naznačují, že toto množství je s velkou pravděpodobností výrazně nižší, možná jen okolo 1 000 kusů. Studie z roku 2015 pak tvrdí, že počet kusů levharta čínského ve volné přírodě osciluje mezi 174-348, a doporučuje proto IUCN, aby zavedla samostatné ohodnocení poddruhu jako kriticky ohroženého.[6] Nicméně článek uveřejněný v témže roce v časopisu China Scenic hovoří o méně než 2 000 jedincích, což je ale velmi vágní odhad.[8]
Levhart čínský je velmi plachý, obtížně pozorovatelný živočich. Jeho život dosud nebyl detailně studován a je k němu, na rozdíl od například afrických nebo indických levhartů, jen minimum informací. Jedná se o samotářské zvíře, jehož teritorium zabírá mnoho desítek kilometrů čtverečních.[8]
Loví středně velké druhy kopytníků jako jsou goralové sečuánští, muntžaci chocholatí, divoká prasata, srnci a jeleni, dále pak různé hlodavce jako jsou hlodouni čínští, zajíci a krysy. Nepohrdne ani jezevci, makaky, cibetkami, ptáky a v nouzi i hmyzem. K útokům často využívá velké kameny a skalní převisy, z nichž napadá svou kořist překvapivým skokem. Zabíjí také lidmi chovaný dobytek.[8][10] Levhart čínský v současnosti (2016) nemá, kromě člověka, přirozeného nepřítele. Dříve mohl být příležitostně zabit tygrem čínským, ale ten už ve volné přírodě nežije. Pokud se vyskytuje v blízkosti lidí, přesouvá se jeho aktivita více na dobu po soumraku a hlouběji do lesa.[10]
Doba rozmnožování není striktně daná, ale obvykle jde o leden a únor.[11] Březost trvá asi 105–110 dní. Následně se rodí nejčastěji 2–3 mláďata. Ta zůstávají s matkou po dobu 18–24 měsíců. Mladé samice si pak zakládají teritorium poblíž své matky, samci odcházejí hledat si území podstatně dál.
Hlavním nebezpečím pro levharta čínského byl a stále je člověk a jeho aktivity. Zhruba do 50. let 20. století byl poddruh poměrně hojný, ale pak se dostal na seznam tzv. škůdců v zemědělství a jeho stavy se začaly rapidně snižovat. Ročně bylo v Číně zabíjeno 2 000–3 000 levhartů, což se následně muselo nějak projevit. Mimo pronásledování jako škůdců a zároveň zvířat využívaných v čínské medicíně jim škodil i úbytek přirozené kořisti a fragmentace životního prostoru.[6] I přes rapidní úbytek je však zatím nepotkal osud v divoké přírodě již vyhubených tygrů čínských. Důvodů existuje několik: 1) leopard je adaptabilnější a využívá širší škálu kořisti. 2) je menší a dokáže se lépe skrývat. 3) není přece jen tak atraktivní pro tradiční čínskou medicínu.[12] Přesto není důvod k optimismu a stavy levhartů jsou státními úřady stále poněkud nadhodnocovány. I když je již podle zákona chráněn (tzv. Class I ), hrozba vyhubení nad ním stále visí, neboť zemědělci se často mstí, když levharti zabijí jejich dobytek například tím, že umísťují otrávené návnady.[10][12][13] Problémem je i izolace malých populací, což do budoucna hrozí příbuzenským křížením.[6]
Chinese Felid Conservation Alliance (CFCA) je malá (roku 2016 měla 12 členů) nezisková organizace, která se zabývá monitorováním a ochranou různých druhů kočkovitých šelem, především pak levharta čínského. V roce 2008 začala s rozmisťováním fotopastí v provincii Šan-si a postupně jimi pokryla území více než 300 km². Kromě jiných záběrů se jim podařilo zachytit samice se třemi různými vrhy mláďat. Členové organizace navštěvují vesnice a shromažďují informace od místních, přičemž se snaží šířit osvětu. Byl zaveden i kompenzační program, kdy jsou zemědělci odškodňováni v případě, když jejich dobytek je usmrcen některým levhartem. Standardní cena je 800 až 3000 jüanů za jedno mrtvé zvíře. Například v roce 2015 bylo v provincii S’-čchuan vyšetřeno a odškodněno zabití 40 kusů dobytka levharty. Kompenzace však nejsou dlouhodobým řešením. Členové CFCA se pokouší přesvědčit místní úřady a zemědělce, aby nenechávali dobytek volně pást v horách a ohrazovali mu pastviny. Organizace se snaží s pomocí různých dobrovolníků co nejčastěji patrolovat a odhalovat či alespoň odrazovat pytláky.[8][13]
V zajetí je chováno asi 40–50 těchto šelem.[14] V Čechách žijí v Zoo Liberec; v Zoo Plzeň byl jeden kus chován, ale v současnosti (2016) ho zde již nemají.
V tomto článku byl použit překlad textu z článku 华北豹 na čínské Wikipedii.
Obrázky, zvuky či videa k tématu levhart čínský ve Wikimedia Commons
Taxon Panthera pardus japonensis ve Wikidruzích
Levhart čínský či levhart skvrnitý čínský (Panthera pardus japonensis) je poddruh či nejnověji pouhá forma (taxonomická revize vydaná roku 2017 ho řadí k poddruhu levhart mandžuský) levharta skvrnitého žijící ve východní a severovýchodní Číně. Podobá se levhartu mandžuskému, má však tmavší oranžovo–cihlové zbarvení. Živí se především savci malé a střední velikosti. Areál jeho výskytu je značně fragmentovaný. Jeho život v divočině je velmi málo probádán a IUCN tento poddruh podle stupně ohrožení nevyhodnocuje.
Panthera pardus japonensis es un subspecie de Panthera pardus.
Севернокинескиот леопард (Panthera pardus japonensis) е подвид на леопард, кој живее во северниот дел на Кина. Овој леопард е толку редок што речиси никогаш не се среќава во дивинаа. Живее во шумите и на планинските пасишта. Како и кај останатите леопарди, и неговиот плен се состои од глодари до срни, диви кози и диви свињи.
Севернокинескиот леопард е мачка со средна големина. Крзното му е прошарано со розети кои многу наликуваат на оние на јагуарот. Овој подвид има најтемна боја на крзното кое е изградено од најдолги влакна, споредено со останатите подвидови на леопард.
Овој подвид на леопард обично се пари сезонски за време на јануари и февруари. Еструалниот циклус трае околу 46 дена и женката овулира околу 6-7 дена.
Младенчињата се раѓаат во легла од 2-3 индивидуи, но смртноста кај малите е доста голема, па многу ретко се забележуваат мајки со повеќе од 1-2 малечки. Трудните женки наоѓаат пештера, дупка меѓу стени или шупливо дрво и тука прават дувло и ги раѓаат младите леопарди. Младенчињата се раѓаат слепи и ги отвараат очите после период од 10 дена. Крзното им е подолго и погусто отколку кај ворасните индивидуи. Бојата не крзното е посивкаста и нема јасно дефинирани точки.
На возраст од 3 месеци младите почнуваат да излегуваат од дувлото и да ја следат мајката при ловот. Иако веќе на едно-годишна возраст се смета дека младите леопарди се способни да се грижат за себе, тие остануваат со мајката околу 18-24 месеци.
Никој не знае со сигурност колку севернокинески леопарди живеат во дивината. Има околу 100 индивидуи во заробеништво, и потребни се индивидуи кои не се во крво сродство за да може да се продолжи со здраво размножување на видот. Сепак бидејќи никој не го знае нивниот точен број во дивината, нема доволно докази за да посериозно се почне со заштита на овој вид. Според последните пресметки од пред повеќе од 5 години, се претпоставува дека има околу 2500 индивидуи во дивината.
Еден од најзначајните предци на севернокинеските леопарди во заробеништво е мажјакот со име Ченг Чи. Овој леопард е роден во заробеништво во Торонто, Канада во 1976 година. За време на програмата за размножување, Ченг Чи, имал 15 младенчиња а до денес се смета дека бројот на неговите потомци е над четириесет. Последниот пат кога му се родиле млади било во 1988 година, а умрел во 1993 година.
Севернокинескиот леопард (Panthera pardus japonensis) е подвид на леопард, кој живее во северниот дел на Кина. Овој леопард е толку редок што речиси никогаш не се среќава во дивинаа. Живее во шумите и на планинските пасишта. Како и кај останатите леопарди, и неговиот плен се состои од глодари до срни, диви кози и диви свињи.
The Amur leopard (Panthera pardus orientalis) is a leopard subspecies native to the Primorye region of southeastern Russia and northern China. It is listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List, as in 2007, only 19–26 wild leopards were estimated to survive in southeastern Russia and northeastern China.[1]
As of 2015, fewer than 60 individuals were estimated to survive in Russia and China.[3] Camera-trapping surveys conducted between 2014 and 2015 revealed 92 individuals in an 8,398 km2 (3,242 sq mi) large transboundary area along the Russian-Chinese border.[4] In 2019, it was reported that the population was about 90 leopards.[5] In 2021, it was reported the population was about 110 individuals.[6]
Results of genetic research indicate that the Amur leopard is genetically close to leopards in northern China and Korea, suggesting that the leopard population in this region became fragmented in the early 20th century.[7] The North Chinese leopard was formerly recognised as a distinct subspecies (P. p. japonensis), but was subsumed under the Amur leopard in 2017.[2]
The names 'Amurland leopard' and 'Amur leopard' were coined by Pocock in 1930, when he compared leopard specimens in the collection of the Natural History Museum, London. In particular, he referred to a leopard skin from the Amur Bay as 'Amur leopard'.[8] Since at least 1985, this name has been used for the leopard subspecies in eastern Siberia and for the captive population in zoos worldwide.[9][10]
The Amur leopard is also known as the "Siberian leopard",[11] "Far Eastern leopard",[12][13][14] and "Korean leopard".[15]
In 1857, Hermann Schlegel described a leopard skin from Korea under the scientific name Felis orientalis.[16] Since Schlegel's description, several naturalists and curators of natural history museums described zoological specimens of leopards from the Russian Far East and China:
In 2017, the Cat Classification Task Force of the Cat Specialist Group subsumed P. p. japonensis to P. p. orientalis. The remaining synonyms are not considered valid subspecies.[2]
Phylogenetic analysis of leopard samples from Primorsky Krai and North Korea revealed that they cannot be distinguished. It is considered very probable that the Amur leopard metapopulation became fragmented less than a century ago.[7] Phylogenetic analysis of an old leopard skin from South Korea revealed it to be an Amur leopard.[15]
The complete mitochondrial genome of a wild male leopard specimen from Shaanxi province in central China has been amplified and is 16,966 base pairs long.[24]
The Amur leopard can easily be differentiated from other leopard subspecies by its thick, pale cream-colored fur, particularly in winter. Rosettes on the flanks are 5 cm × 5 cm (2.0 in × 2.0 in) and widely spaced, up to 2.5 cm (0.98 in), with thick, unbroken rings and darkened centers.[8] Its fur is fairly soft with long and dense hair. The length of hair on the back is 20–25 mm (0.79–0.98 in) in summer and up to 70 mm (2.8 in) in winter. The winter coat varies from fairly light yellow to dense yellowish-red with a golden tinge, or rusty-reddish-yellow. In summer, the fur is brighter, with more vivid coloration pattern. It is rather small in body size, with males larger than females. Males measure 107–136 cm (42–54 in) with a 82–90 cm (32–35 in) long tail, a shoulder height of 64–78 cm (25–31 in), and a weight of 32.2–48 kg (71–106 lb). Females weigh 25–42.5 kg (55–94 lb).[25]
The North Chinese leopard was first described on the basis of a single tanned skin which was fulvous above, and pale beneath, with large, roundish, oblong black spots on the back and limbs, and small black spots on the head. The spots on the back, shoulders and sides formed a ring around a central fulvous spot. The black spots on the nape were elongated, and large ones on the chest formed a necklace. The tail was spotted and had four black rings at the tip.[17]
In the Russian Far East, the Amur leopard currently inhabits an area of about 7,000 km2 (2,700 sq mi).[26] It is well adapted to the cold climate and heavy snowfall of the region.[7] The association of the leopard with mountainous areas (and snow-free south-facing rocky slopes in winter) has been recorded. It is usually confined to places where wild sika deer (Cervus nippon) live, or where deer husbandry is practised.[25] Leopards cross between Russia, China, and possibly North Korea across the Tumen River, despite a high and long wire fence marking the boundary.[27]
The first camera trap image of an Amur leopard in northeastern China was taken in 2010 in Hunchun National Nature Reserve, in the Changbai Mountains of Jilin and Heilongjiang Provinces.[28] This habitat consists of broadleaved and conifer forests at elevations of 600–1,200 m (2,000–3,900 ft), where the annual average temperature is about 1.5 °C (34.7 °F).[29] In this area, leopards were repeatedly photographed by camera traps set up between January 2013 and July 2014 covering up to 4,858 km2 (1,876 sq mi).[30][31][32]
Elsewhere in China, Amur leopard distribution is fragmented, with small populations occurring foremost in isolated reserves. In Shanxi Province, leopards were recorded in 16 protected areas and six nature reserves (including Foping National Nature Reserve) during camera trapping surveys between 2007 and 2014.[33]
Leopard fossils from the Pleistocene have been excavated in Japan, but the fossils' subspecies have not been identified with certainty.[34]
Historical records indicate that the Amur leopard occurred throughout eastern Siberia, northeastern China including near Beijing, the mountains to Beijing’s northwest, as well as across Manchuria and the Korean Peninsula.[18][35] In Russia, its native range was dramatically reduced during the 1970s to about 20% of the original land. Its northernmost range boundary commenced on the coast of the Sea of Japan at 44°N, continuing south at a distance of 15–30 km (9.3–18.6 mi) from the coast to 43°10'N. There, their range turned sharply westward and north of the Suchan River basin, continuing north to encompass the source of the Ussuri River and two of its right-bank tributaries toward the bank of Khanka Lake. In the 1950s, leopards were observed about 50 km (31 mi) north of Vladivostok city and in Kedrovaya Pad Nature Reserve.[25]
Leopards were extirpated from the Korean Peninsula while under Japanese rule.[36] At least 624 leopards were killed during the Japanese occupation, between 1910 and 1945. In South Korea, the last known leopard was captured in 1970.[15] The Amur leopard is considered locally extinct in South Korea, and likewise probably in North Korea, as well. Some researchers have proposed that some of North Korea’s more isolated, remote regions may yet still provide ideal leopard habitat, with ample prey sources and dense, quiet woodlands, free of competition from tigers.[1]
In China, Amur leopards historically occurred in the Lesser Khingan, Changbai Mountains and Wanda Mountains until the 1970s. In the following decades, the range decreased to a few areas in Jilin and Heilongjiang Provinces.[37] Today, only small and isolated populations remain in northern China, specifically in Jilin.[24]
Like other leopard subspecies, Amur leopards are solitary, unless females have offspring.[25] Records from camera-traps indicate that they are more diurnal (active during the day) than nocturnal, as well as crepuscular (active during dawn and dusk) during both the summer and winter seasons. This activity pattern coincides with activity periods of prey species such as Siberian roe deer (Capreolus pygargus), Manchurian sika deer (Cervus nippon mantchuricus) and Ussuri wild boar (Sus scrofa ussuricus).[32]
Amur leopards are extremely conservative in their choice of territory. An individual's territory is usually located in a river basin which generally extends to the natural topographical borders of the area. The territory of two individuals overlaps sometimes, but only slightly. Depending on sex, age and family size, the size of an individual's territory varies from 5,000–30,000 ha (19–116 sq mi). Individuals use the same hunting trails, migration routes and even rest places over the course of many years.[38] Leopards are resident at places where wild animals are abundant, and follow herds of ungulates. In the Ussuri region, their main prey are Siberian roe deer, Manchurian sika deer, Manchurian wapiti (Cervus canadensis xanthopygus), Siberian musk deer (Moschus moschiferus), Amur elk (Alces alces cameloides) and Ussuri wild boar. They also catch hares (Lepus sp.), Asian badgers (Meles leucurus), fowl, and mice. In Kedrovaya Pad Nature Reserve, roe deer is their main prey year-round, but they also prey on young Asian black bear (Ursus thibetanus) cubs under two years old.[25] When density of ungulates is low, leopards have large home ranges of up to 100 km2 (39 sq mi).[39]
During a study of radio-collared Amur leopards in the early 1990s, a territorial dispute between two males at a deer farm was documented, suggesting that Amur leopards favour such farms for hunting.[40] Female leopards with cubs are often found in the proximity of deer farms. The large number of domesticated deer on the farms is a reliable food source in difficult times.[41]
Amur leopards become sexually mature at the age of 2–3 years. They are able to reproduce up to 10–15 years of age. Estrus lasts 12–18 days, and in exceptional cases up to 25 days. Gestation lasts 90–105 days, and usually between 92 and 95 days. A newborn cub weighs 500–700 g (18–25 oz). The young open their eyes on the 7th–10th day and begin to crawl on the 12th–15th day. By the second month they emerge from their dens and also begin to eat meat. Cubs are weaned when three months old, and then learn to hunt. Lactation continues for five or six months. Cubs reach independence at the approximate age of two to three years. They stay with their mother until they are around 18 months to two years old.[42] Juveniles sometimes stay with their mother until she comes into estrus again. Until the 1970s, cubs were seen in Kedrovaya Pad Nature Reserve and in northeastern China most often between the end of March and May. Litters comprised two to three cubs. In captivity some individuals have lived for 21 years.[25] In 2011, an adult Amur leopard female was radio-collared in the vicinity of the Land of the Leopard National Park in the Khasansky District of Primorskyi Krai. During three years of tracking, she used a home range of 161.7 km2 (62.4 sq mi) with a core area of 23.3 km2 (9.0 sq mi). During estrus, she moved in a core area of 52.9 km2 (20.4 sq mi). After giving birth in late June, she reduced her movements to an area of about 3 km2 (1.2 sq mi) for a month, in which she shifted her cubs three times. From autumn onwards, she gradually increased her home range. When the cubs were more than one year old, the family moved together in the initial home range of 161.7 km2 (62.4 sq mi).[42]
During a population census in 1997, four females found with young had only one cub each. Results of radio telemetry studies confirmed that young stay with their mother for two years. In Kedrovaya Pad Nature Reserve, the young of two different litters were observed with their mothers at the same time.[38]
The Amur leopard is threatened by poaching of both individuals and prey species, habitat loss and deforestation. Its natural habitat is threatened by forest fires and construction of new roads.[1] Due to the small number of reproducing Amur leopards in the wild, the gene pool has such low genetic diversity that the population is at risk from inbreeding depression.[13] In 2015, a wild Amur leopard was found with canine distemper virus in Primorskyi Krai. Due to the small population, all wild individuals could possibly be exposed to domestic or wild disease carriers and transmitters in the future.[43]
Amur leopards are sympatric with Siberian tigers (Panthera tigris tigris) in some areas; in the Changbai Mountains, leopards have been recorded at higher altitudes and further distances from settlements and roads than tigers.[32] Tigers can kill leopards if densities of large and medium-sized prey species are low. Competition between these predators supposedly decreases in summer, when small prey species are more available. In winter, conditions are less favorable for tigers, which most likely causes the trophic niche overlap with leopards to peak.[39]
Amur leopards are also sympatric with Ussuri brown bears (Ursus arctos lasiotus), but no interactions between the two species have been recorded.[44]
Poaching of Amur leopards is the main threat to their survival. Despite evidence of Chinese traders illegally buying leopard skins from Russia, no skins were confiscated at borders to China until 2002 and 2003, where over seven skins or part of skins were confiscated (six in Russia and one in China) over a period of 14 months. Leopards are most often killed by local Russians from small villages in and around the leopard's habitat. These villagers hunt entirely illegally; they have no licenses for hunting or their guns, are not members of one of the local hunting leases, and hunt Amur leopards (a protected species under Russian law).[41] In 1999, skins of poached leopards were offered for $500–1,000 near a protected area in Russia.[45]
Human-induced fires are another main threat to the survival of the Amur leopard. Setting fire to fields is a habit of rural farmers who start them for a particular purpose, such as improving fertility for livestock grazing, killing ticks and other insects, making scrap metals visible so that they can be easily collected, culling vegetation along train tracks, and stimulating fern growth. Young ferns are sold in shops, served in restaurants and also exported to China as a popular dish. Surveys using satellite images and GIS techniques revealed that on average, 19% of south-west Primorye burns annually, and a total of 46% burned at least once in six years. Due to a long and frequent fire history, much of the land in south-west Primorye has been converted from coniferous forests (suitable leopard habitat) to open "savannah" landscapes with grass, oak bushes and isolated trees that leopards seem to avoid (most likely due to low ungulate densities).[41]
In the 20th century, large deer farms were built over thousands of hectares of leopard habitat; the velvet of deer antlers was sold to Asian pharmacies.[40] However, the number of deer farms has decreased considerably since the late 1990s.[41]
A number of plans for economic activities in south-west Primorye were developed that posed a serious threat to the Amur leopard's survival. A plan to build an oil pipeline from central Siberia through Primorye to the coast of the Sea of Japan was shelved; another plan for an open pit coal mine in the heart of the Amur leopard's range was not carried out following pressure from environmentalists and the Ministry of Natural Resources. The strategic location of south-west Primorye (being close to the main population centres of Primorsky Krai, the Sea of Japan and the borders with North Korea and China) makes it more attractive for economic activities, including transport, industries, tourism and development of infrastructure. The activity of logging itself is not a major threat; however, the use of road networks established for the transport of logs from forests increases anthropogenic pressures in unprotected leopard habitat.[41]
An acute problem is potential inbreeding. The remaining population could disappear as a result of genetic degeneration, even without direct human influence. The levels of diversity are remarkably low, indicative of a history of inbreeding in the population for several generations, or a population bottleneck. Such levels of genetic reduction have been associated with severe reproductive and congenital abnormalities that impede the health, survival and reproduction of some (but not all) genetically diminished small populations. Cub survival has declined over time, from 1.9 cubs per one female in 1973 to 1.7 in 1984, and 1.0 in 1991. Besides a decline in natural replacement, there is a high probability of mortality for all age groups, as a result of certain diseases or direct human impact.[46]
The Amur leopard is listed in CITES Appendix I. It is stated to need better protection from illegal trade in skins and bones.[1]
In 2001, a meeting was held in Vladivostok with the aim of devising and planning management recommendations and activities needed to ensure the recovery and continued survival of the wild Amur leopard population in range countries. Chinese participants announced the creation of a new protected area in Jilin Province, the Hunchun Nature Reserve.[47] Since 2014, Russian and Chinese biologists collaborate in transboundary monitoring of the Amur leopard population.[4]
The Amur Leopard and Tiger Alliance (ALTA) is an initiative of Russian and western conservation organisations to conserve the Amur leopard and tiger, and secure a future for both species in the Russian Far East and Northeast China. ALTA operates across Northeast Asia under the guiding principle that only cooperative, coordinated conservation actions from all interested parties can save these endangered subspecies/populations from extinction. ALTA works in close co-operation with local, regional, and federal government and non-government organisations to protect the region's biological wealth through conservation, sustainable development, and local community involvement. The Phoenix Fund and the Wildlife Conservation Society provide a local framework for implementing ALTA projects, working closely with many Russian and Chinese agencies. With regard to conservation of leopards, ALTA aims at retaining a leopard population of 35 adult females (100 total) in south-west Primorye and the Jilin-Heilongjiang border region; and creating a second population of 20 adult females (60 adults total) in the former range of the leopard. Conservation projects for the leopard include:[41]
An oil pipeline planned to be built through leopard habitat was rerouted, following a campaign by conservationists.[48]
Since 1996, the idea of reintroducing leopards to the south of the Sikhote-Alin mountain range has been discussed by ALTA members.[14] During a workshop in 2001, the outlines and principles of a plan for the development of a second population of the Amur leopard in the Russian Far East was prepared. For reintroduction to be successful, the reasons for leopards disappearing from the southern Sikhote-Alin in the middle of the 20th century needed to be studied. It was recommended to assess reasons for localized extinctions, obtain support of local people, increase prey in areas proposed for reintroduction, ensure that conditions exist conducive for reintroduction in the selected area, and ensure survival of the existing population. There are two sources of leopards for reintroduction: leopards born and raised in zoos and leopards raised in a special reintroduction center passed through a rehabilitation program for life in the wild.[46]
For successful reintroduction, it is clear that the design of the breeding and release centre (and the leopard management within it) must focus strongly on overcoming the difficulties imposed by the captive origin of the cats. Two necessary behaviours should be acquired prior to release: the hunting and killing of live natural prey, and avoidance of humans and tigers.[49]
During a meeting with Vladimir Putin in March 2009, the Minister of Natural Resources of Russia reassured that the ministry is planning to reintroduce leopards into the area, as well as create suitable and safe habita; he also stated the government had already allocated all required funds for the project.[50]
Potential reintroduction sites (contiguous patches of preferred habitat) were identified in the southern Sikhote-Alin. Three coastal potential habitat patches could harbour a population of approximately 72 adult leopards (exceeding the 50 individual minimum needed for a self-sustaining population).[26]
A captive breeding programme for the Amur leopard was established in 1961 from nine wild-born founders.[10] A molecular genetic survey revealed that at least two founders of the captive pedigree had genetic information that is not consistent with any Amur leopards born in the wild.[13] Both the American and European zoo populations include contribution of genes from a male founder that was a different leopard subspecies. It has been the strategy of the European Endangered Species Programme to minimize his contribution and maintain genetic diversity of the captive population.[49]
As of December 2011, 173 captive Amur leopards were held in zoos worldwide. Within the EESP, 54 male, 40 female and 7 unsexed individuals are kept. In American and Canadian zoos, another 31 males and 41 females are kept within the Population Management Program.[51]
The Animal Planet documentary The Last Leopard (2008) is about the plight of Amur leopards in Russia. The television series "Wild Russia" showed a glimpse into the life of leopards. A female leopard and her cub were featured on Planet Earth episodes "Seasonal Forests".[52]
The Amur leopard (Panthera pardus orientalis) is a leopard subspecies native to the Primorye region of southeastern Russia and northern China. It is listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List, as in 2007, only 19–26 wild leopards were estimated to survive in southeastern Russia and northeastern China.
As of 2015, fewer than 60 individuals were estimated to survive in Russia and China. Camera-trapping surveys conducted between 2014 and 2015 revealed 92 individuals in an 8,398 km2 (3,242 sq mi) large transboundary area along the Russian-Chinese border. In 2019, it was reported that the population was about 90 leopards. In 2021, it was reported the population was about 110 individuals.
Results of genetic research indicate that the Amur leopard is genetically close to leopards in northern China and Korea, suggesting that the leopard population in this region became fragmented in the early 20th century. The North Chinese leopard was formerly recognised as a distinct subspecies (P. p. japonensis), but was subsumed under the Amur leopard in 2017.
El leopardo chino del Norte (Panthera pardus japonensis) es una subespecie de leopardo autóctona del noreste de China. Este leopardo es tan raro que casi nunca es visto en la naturaleza. El animal hace su hogar en los bosques y la pradera de las montañas. En peligro de extinción, caza ciervos, jabalíes y roedores.
El leopardo chino del Norte es un leopardo de tamaño medio. El diseño de las manchas recuerda a un jaguar. Tiene el pelaje más largo que muchas otras subespecies de leopardo y tiene el pelajo más oscuro de todas.
Los leopardos chinos del Norte generalmente se reúnen en enero y febrero. Su ciclo estral dura aproximadamente 46 días, y la hembra se mantiene en celo por 6-7 días.
Los cachorros nacen en camadas de 2-3, pero la mortalidad infantil es alta en esta especie, y las madres no son vistas con más de 1-2 cachorros. La hembras preñadas encuentran una cueva, una grieta entre las piedras, un árbol hueco o un matorral para dar a luz y hacer una guarida. Los cachorros abren los ojos después de 10 días. El pelo de los pequeños tiende a ser más largo y grueso que el de los adultos. Su pelaje también es más gris y con manchas menos definidas.
A los tres meses los pequeños leopardos comienzan a seguir a sus madres en la cacería. Es posible que al año un joven leopardo pueda las arreglárselas solo, pero permanecen con su madre por 18-24 meses.
Nadie sabe con seguridad cuantos leopardos hay en estado salvaje, lo que hace muy difícil el hecho de conservarlos. Hay solamente alrededor de 100 leopardos en cautiverio, y se está haciendo necesario que lleguen nuevas líneas de sangre para poder continuar una población saludable de estos felinos. Debido a que no ha sido realizado un censo recientemente, el número de ejemplares salvajes es desconocido, y al parecer, no son una especie "suficientemente" amenazada como para tomar acciones que preserven el linaje cautivo. En el último censo, de hace más de cinco años, se concluyó que hay alrededor de 2500 leopardos chinos del Norte en la vida salvaje.
Este leopardo fue un animal clave en el programa de crianza del Exotic Feline Breeding Compund (EFBC). El EFBC es todavía uno de los mejores lugares en el mundo para ver este raro y hermoso felino. Tienen actualmente 9 leopardos chinos del Norte, el más joven nació en mayo de 2007 y los más viejos en enero del año 1990.
El leopardo chino del Norte (Panthera pardus japonensis) es una subespecie de leopardo autóctona del noreste de China. Este leopardo es tan raro que casi nunca es visto en la naturaleza. El animal hace su hogar en los bosques y la pradera de las montañas. En peligro de extinción, caza ciervos, jabalíes y roedores.
Iparraldeko Txinako lehoinabarra (Panthera pardus japonensis) Txinako iparraldean bizi den lehoinabar azpiespezie bat da. Desagertzeko arrisku gisa sailkatuta dago kontserbaziorako zerrendagandik. Lehoinabar azpiespezie hau hain da arraroa, ezen basabizitza askean ikustea oso zaila suertatzen da.
Iparraldeko Txinako lehoinabarra (Panthera pardus japonensis) Txinako iparraldean bizi den lehoinabar azpiespezie bat da. Desagertzeko arrisku gisa sailkatuta dago kontserbaziorako zerrendagandik. Lehoinabar azpiespezie hau hain da arraroa, ezen basabizitza askean ikustea oso zaila suertatzen da.
Panthera pardus japonensis
La panthère de Chine du Nord (Panthera pardus japonensis), est une des sous-espèces du léopard vivant dans le nord de la Chine. Ce léopard est tellement rare qu'il n'a presque jamais été vu dans la nature. Il vit dans les forêts et les prairies de montagne. Comme tous les léopards, il se nourrit principalement de rongeurs, de cerfs, de chèvres sauvages et de cochons sauvages
Afin d'assurer la pérennité de la population captive, le Léopard de Chine du Nord est l'objet d'un programme d'élevage européen en captivité (EEP) coordonné par le Tierpark Hagenbeck[1].
La panthère de Chine du Nord a une durée de vie pouvant aller jusqu'à 27 ans. La panthère mâle mesure environ 1.75m de long (avec sa queue qui mesure environ 1m), 70cm au garrot et pèse environ 70kg maximum. La femelle quant à elle est plus petite et mesure 1.50m, 60cm au garrot et pèse environ 40kg. Sa vitesse peut atteindre les 55km/h[2].
La panthère de Chine du Nord est solitaire et chasse la nuit, aussi bien dans les arbres qu'au sol. Elle est très agile dans les arbres où elle s'établit souvent pour échapper aux autres prédateurs. Le territoire d'un mâle peut recouvrir celui de plusieurs femelles.
Elle est carnivore et pour manger sa proie elle l'emmène dans les arbres. Mais quand cette proie est trop importante pour un seul repas, elle la hisse dans les arbres.
Quand la femelle met bas après environ 96 jours elle peut donner naissance de 2 à 4 petits qu'elle transporte dans sa gueule. Et c'est vers leurs 3 mois qu'ils commenceront à chasser[3].
La panthère de Chine du Nord se distingue des autres panthères par son pelage orange plus foncé que les autres et les rosettes qui peuvent parfois inclure un point comme chez les jaguars.
Comme son nom l'indique, elle se trouve dans les forêts et prairies au nord de la Chine. c'est l'une des panthères les plus massives, pouvant supporter des températures descendant jusqu'à -30 °C.
Il resterait environ 2 500 panthères de Chine du Nord dans la nature mais la fragmentation du territoire isole les différentes populations[3]. Elle fait l'objet d'un programme d'élevage en parcs zoologiques où sa population atteint une centaine d'individu. Parmi ces parcs zoologiques on compte en France La Ménagerie mais aussi le parc zoologique de Thoiry qui a vu naître en 2018 deux petites panthères de Chine[4].
Panthera pardus japonensis
La panthère de Chine du Nord (Panthera pardus japonensis), est une des sous-espèces du léopard vivant dans le nord de la Chine. Ce léopard est tellement rare qu'il n'a presque jamais été vu dans la nature. Il vit dans les forêts et les prairies de montagne. Comme tous les léopards, il se nourrit principalement de rongeurs, de cerfs, de chèvres sauvages et de cochons sauvages
Afin d'assurer la pérennité de la population captive, le Léopard de Chine du Nord est l'objet d'un programme d'élevage européen en captivité (EEP) coordonné par le Tierpark Hagenbeck.
Il leopardo della Cina settentrionale (Panthera pardus japonensis) è una sottospecie di leopardo originaria della Cina settentrionale. Questo leopardo è così raro che non è quasi mai stato visto in natura. Questo animale vive nelle foreste e nei prati di montagna. Come per tutti i leopardi, le sue prede variano dai roditori ai cervi, alle capre selvatiche e ai cinghiali.
Il leopardo della Cina settentrionale è un leopardo di medie dimensioni. L'aspetto delle rosette del leopardo della Cina settentrionale ricorda quasi l'aspetto di quelle del giaguaro. Ha il pelo più lungo di altre sottospecie di leopardo ed ha il mantello più scuro di tutte le sottospecie di questo felide. Il peso medio è di 55 kg nel maschio e 32 kg nella femmina.
I leopardi della Cina settentrionale si accoppiano solitamente tra gennaio e febbraio. Il periodo dell'estro dura circa 46 giorni e la femmina si trova in calore solitamente per 6-7 giorni.
I piccoli nascono in cucciolate di 2-3, ma la mortalità infantile è elevata e non si vedono comunemente madri con più di 1-2 piccoli. Per mettere al mondo i piccoli e costruire una tana le femmine gravide vanno in cerca di una grotta, di una fenditura tra le rocce, di un albero cavo o di uno spiazzo nel sottobosco. I piccoli aprono i loro occhi dopo un periodo di 10 giorni. La pelliccia dei giovani tende ad essere più lunga e più folta di quella degli adulti. Il loro pelame è anche di colorazione più grigia, con macchie meno definite.
Intorno ai tre mesi i piccoli cominciano a seguire la madre a caccia. Ad un anno di età i giovani leopardi possono probabilmente nutrirsi da soli, ma rimangono con la madre per 18-24 mesi.
Nessuno conosce con sicurezza quanti leopardi della Cina settentrionale rimangano in natura, il che rende piuttosto difficoltosa la loro conservazione. In cattività ne esistono solamente 100 e sono necessarie nuove linee di sangue allo scopo di mantenere in salute questi bellissimi felini in cattività. Comunque, poiché non è stato effettuato di recente un censimento, il loro numero in natura è sconosciuto e quindi non vengono considerati abbastanza «minacciati» per prendere in esame lo scopo di preservarne la linea in cattività. L'ultimo censimento fatto, più di cinque anni fa, ha dimostrato che in natura vivevano circa 2500 leopardi della Cina settentrionale.
Uno tra i più importanti antenati di molti leopardi della Cina settentrionale in cattività era il maschio adulto «Cheung Chi». Attraverso il programma di riproduzione in cattività questo leopardo fu il responsabile della nascita di più di quaranta discendenti. Il leopardo della Cina settentrionale era l'animale chiave del programma di riproduzione effettuato dall'Exotic Feline Breeding Compound. Cheung-Chi nacque in cattività a Toronto, in Canada, nel 1976. Durante la sua età riproduttiva ha generato quindici piccoli e più di quaranta discendenti. Ha prodotto il suo ultimo piccolo nel 1988 ed è morto all'EFBC nel 1993.
L'EFBC è ancora uno dei luoghi migliori al mondo per vedere questi rari e bellissimi felini, dal momento che vi si trovano 9 leopardi della Cina settentrionale, il più giovane di sei mesi e il più vecchio di 17.
È una delle 4 sottospecie di leopardo inserite all'interno dei programmi di riproduzione europei (EEP), nel 2017 il coordinatore per la Panthera pardus japonensis è lo zoo di Amburgo. L'unico giardino zoologico italiano ad ospitare questa specie è il Parco Faunistico Valcorba.
Il leopardo della Cina settentrionale (Panthera pardus japonensis) è una sottospecie di leopardo originaria della Cina settentrionale. Questo leopardo è così raro che non è quasi mai stato visto in natura. Questo animale vive nelle foreste e nei prati di montagna. Come per tutti i leopardi, le sue prede variano dai roditori ai cervi, alle capre selvatiche e ai cinghiali.
De Noord-Chinese panter (Panthera pardus japonensis) is een ondersoort van de luipaard. Het IUCN klasseerde de soort in 2002 met de status Gevoelig (NT).
Bronnen, noten en/of referenties
Zie de categorie Panthera pardus japonensis van Wikimedia Commons voor mediabestanden over dit onderwerp. O leopardo-do-norte-da-china (Panthera pardus japonensis) é uma subespécie de leopardo nativa do norte da China. Este leopardo é tão raro que quase nunca é visto na natureza. O animal habita em pradarias e florestas das montanhas. Espécie ameaçada de extinção, caça veados, javalis e roedores.
É um leopardo da mesma dimensão do seu parente do norte o leopardo-de-amur. O desenho das manchas recorda a onça. Ele tem o pêlo mais longo do que muitas outras subespécies de leopardo e é o que tem o pelo mais escuro.
Os filhotes são nascidos em ninhadas de 2 ou 3, mas a mortalidade infantil é elevada nesta espécie, e as mães não são vistas com mais de 1 ou 2 crias. As fêmeas grávidas procuram encontrar uma caverna, uma brecha entre as pedras, uma árvore oca ou um arbusto para dar à luz ou então fazem uma cova. Os filhotes abrem os olhos depois de 10 dias, o seu pelo tende a ser mais longo e que a maior parte dos adultos, também é mais cinzento e com manchas menos definidas.
Os pequenos leopardos aos três meses começam a acompanhar as suas mães nas caçadas. Eles ficam com a mãe até aos 18 a 24 meses.
Ninguém sabe ao certo quantos existem leopardos no estado selvagem. Existem apenas cerca de 100 leopardos em cativeiro e estão procurando renovar a sua variedade genética para que eles possam continuar como uma população saudável. No último censo há mais de cinco anos atrás, concluiu-se que existam cerca de 2 500 leopardos-do-norte-da-china em vida selvagem.
Este leopardo foi um animal chave no programa "Exotic Feline Breeding Compund" (EFBC). O EFBC ainda é um dos melhores lugares do mundo para ver este raro e belo gato. Têm atualmente 9 leopardos-do-norte-da-china, o mais novo nasceu em maio de 2007, e o mais antigo em janeiro de 1990.
O leopardo-do-norte-da-china (Panthera pardus japonensis) é uma subespécie de leopardo nativa do norte da China. Este leopardo é tão raro que quase nunca é visto na natureza. O animal habita em pradarias e florestas das montanhas. Espécie ameaçada de extinção, caça veados, javalis e roedores.
Kuzey Çin parsı (Panthera pardus japonensis), parsın Çin'de yaşayan bir alttürü. Kemiricilerden geyiklere, yaban domuzundan keçilere kadar çeşitli bir besin yelpazesine sahiptirler.
Kuzey Çin parsı, Ocak ve Şubat ayları boyunca çiftleşir. Gebelik 46 gün, bazen 6-7 gün fazla sürebilir. Bir batında genelde 1-2 yavru doğar, ancak bu bazen 3'e de çıkabilir. Yavruların gözleri 10 gün içinde açılır. 3 aylık olduklarında yavrular annelerini avlanırken izlemeye başlarlar. 1 yaşına bastıklarında yavrular kendilerini kısmen koruyabilecek durumdadırlar ancak 18-24 aylık oluncaya dek anneleriyle yaşarlar.
Kedigiller ile ilgili bu madde bir taslaktır. Madde içeriğini geliştirerek Vikipedi'ye katkıda bulunabilirsiniz. Kuzey Çin parsı (Panthera pardus japonensis), parsın Çin'de yaşayan bir alttürü. Kemiricilerden geyiklere, yaban domuzundan keçilere kadar çeşitli bir besin yelpazesine sahiptirler.
Пардус північно-китайський, або пантера плямиста північнокитайська (Panthera pardus japonensis) - підвид пантери, який мешкає в північному Китаї. Живе в лісах і горах, їсть, як і всі інші пантери, гризунів, оленів, диких кіз, диких свиней.
Плями Північно-китайського леопарда нагадують скоріше плями ягуара. Має найдовше хутро з усіх підвидів леопарда.
Спарювання припадає на січень-лютий, вагітність триває приблизно 46 днів. Дитинчат народжується 2-3, але через їх велику смертність, в живих залишається 1, рідко 2. Для родів самка знаходить зручну, теплу печеру. Маленькі леопарди відкривають очі на 10 день після народження, вони мають довге хутро, яке потім зменшується. У три місяці дитинча починає ходити на полювання разом з мамою. В 1 рік вони вже можуть себе захищати, але з матір’ю залишаються до 18-24 місяців.
Наразі важко сказати скільки північно-китайських пардусів залишилось в дикій природі. В неволі проживає 100 особин. Останній проведений перепис, якому понад 5 років, повідомляє, що в дикій природі збереглось 2 500 особин.
Найважливішим леопардом цього підвиду був Cheung Chi. З його допомогою самки народили 15 пантер, загалом він має 40 нащадків. Остане дитинча від нього народилось 1988, сам Cheung Chi помер 1993 року.
Пардус північно-китайський, або пантера плямиста північнокитайська (Panthera pardus japonensis) - підвид пантери, який мешкає в північному Китаї. Живе в лісах і горах, їсть, як і всі інші пантери, гризунів, оленів, диких кіз, диких свиней.
Báo hoa mai Hoa Bắc (Panthera pardus japonensis) là một phân loài báo hoa mai bản địa bắc Trung Quốc. Không có số liệu về số lượng phân loài này trong hoang dã[2]. Trong khoảng thời gian từ 1867 đến 1907, nhiều tác giả đã mô tả phân loài này sử dụng các danh pháp như Felis chinensis, bedfordi, fontanierii, grayi, và Panthera hanensis.[1][3]
Báo hoa mai Hoa Bắc (Panthera pardus japonensis) là một phân loài báo hoa mai bản địa bắc Trung Quốc. Không có số liệu về số lượng phân loài này trong hoang dã. Trong khoảng thời gian từ 1867 đến 1907, nhiều tác giả đã mô tả phân loài này sử dụng các danh pháp như Felis chinensis, bedfordi, fontanierii, grayi, và Panthera hanensis.
Panthera pardus japonensis Gray, 1862
Синонимы
Северо-китайский леопард (лат. Panthera pardus japonensis) — подвид леопарда, обитающий в северном Китае.
Леопард обитает в лесах и горах, поедая, как и другие леопарды, грызунов, оленей, диких коз, диких свиней.
Пятна леопарда напоминают скорее пятна ягуара, а его мех самый длинный из всех подвидов леопарда.
Спаривание приходится на январь-февраль, беременность длится примерно 46 дней. Самка рождает 2—3 детёнышей, но из-за высокой смертности, в живых остаётся 1, редко 2. Маленькие леопарды открывают глаза на 10-й день после рождения, у них длинный мех, который затем уменьшается. В три месяца детёныш начинает ходить на охоту вместе с мамой. В возрасте 1 года они уже могут себя защищать, но с матерью остаются до 18—24 месяцев.
В неволе проживает 100 особей. По данным последней переписи в дикой природе сохранилось 2500 особей.
Важнейшим леопардом этого подвида был Чунг Чи (Cheung Chi). С его помощью самки родили 15 леопардов, в целом он имеет 40 потомков. Последний детёныш от него родился в 1988 году, сам Чунг Чи умер в 1993 году.
Северо-китайский леопард (лат. Panthera pardus japonensis) — подвид леопарда, обитающий в северном Китае.
Леопард обитает в лесах и горах, поедая, как и другие леопарды, грызунов, оленей, диких коз, диких свиней.
Пятна леопарда напоминают скорее пятна ягуара, а его мех самый длинный из всех подвидов леопарда.
Спаривание приходится на январь-февраль, беременность длится примерно 46 дней. Самка рождает 2—3 детёнышей, но из-за высокой смертности, в живых остаётся 1, редко 2. Маленькие леопарды открывают глаза на 10-й день после рождения, у них длинный мех, который затем уменьшается. В три месяца детёныш начинает ходить на охоту вместе с мамой. В возрасте 1 года они уже могут себя защищать, но с матерью остаются до 18—24 месяцев.
В неволе проживает 100 особей. По данным последней переписи в дикой природе сохранилось 2500 особей.
Важнейшим леопардом этого подвида был Чунг Чи (Cheung Chi). С его помощью самки родили 15 леопардов, в целом он имеет 40 потомков. Последний детёныш от него родился в 1988 году, сам Чунг Чи умер в 1993 году.
华北豹（学名：Panthera pardus japonensis）也称中国豹，是一种大型猫科食肉动物，是豹的一个亚种，为中国特有，同时被国际自然保护联盟列为濒危物种。
历史上曾经广泛分布于西到兰州，北到戈壁荒漠南部，东到北京的广袤大地上。现今分布于中国北方的河南、河北、山西、甘肃东南部、陕西北部等零星的几块栖息地中。目前仅存约2500只野生华北豹[來源請求]。山西是目前拥有野生华北豹数量最多的省，因山西几乎是当前华北森林环境最好的地区，拥有数量众多的狍子和野猪，为豹提供充足的食物；加上山西的虎、狼、豺、亚洲黑熊、猞猁这些大中型食肉动物已经绝迹或基本绝迹，华北豹在山西几乎没有任何竞争对手。
体长从尾端算起约1.8～2.2米，从臀部算起长约1.1～1.5米，尾长约0.8～1米，体重约45～80公斤。雄性较雌性个体大。 身上的斑点和斑环花纹排列密集颜色较深，有些斑点会落在黑色圈形斑环内部，这个特征更接近于它在美洲的远亲美洲豹而不是其他的豹类。
栖息于山地、丘陵、荒漠和草原，尤喜茂密的树林或大森林。无固定巢穴。单独活动，善于攀树和跳跃。由于华北豹的生存地区没有虎的存在，其行为和有虎或狮子存在的地区的豹的习性有所不同，一天之中除了中午的其他时段都可能外出捕食巡视，日夜平均。另外通常在没有狮虎的地区豹会试图捕食狮虎的猎物而趋向于个头变大，延长在地面上的活动时间，同时不用每次都把猎物带到树上隐藏起来。
主要捕食有青羊（斑羚）﹑鹿﹑猕猴及野猪，亦会捕猎灵猫，雀鸟，啮齿类，昆虫等，有时候也吃腐肉，视乎猎物产地而定。 在猎物缺乏时，它也会被迫向人类栖息地移动捕猎家畜，因而发生人豹之间的冲突。 华北豹和一般猫科动物一样会在密林的掩护下潜近猎物，当移动到攻击距离之内利用突袭攻击猎物。通常对于体型较小的猎物采取直接咬断颈部使其不能动弹，而对于体型稍大的会采取咬住喉咙或者用自己的嘴巴紧紧覆盖住猎物口鼻令其窒息等不同策略。
华北豹发情期为每年年初，母豹怀孕期105-110天，一胎通常生产2-3头小豹。刚出生的小豹直到十天以后眼睛才能睁开，一直依赖母豹生存在其身边一直待到18-24个月大然后出走独立门户。相比母豹，长成的公豹会选择去到较远的地方建立自己的领地。
尽管近年来保护组织利用野外设置的自动照相机拍摄到野生华北豹的照片和视频，总体来说华北豹在中国的保护现状仍然不容乐观。就拿华北豹最佳栖息地的山西地区来说。大面开垦森林，建造公路等已经迫使该地区的华北豹不断缩小自己的领地范围。并面临栖息地被完全分割而子种群内个体数量进一步减少的危险。 另一个危险来自人豹冲突，当领地内没有充足的食物时豹就会试图拓展空间，并很可能因此踏入人类生存的区域，家畜是很容易到手的猎物对于豹来说是不能拒绝的诱惑。大型猫科动物都会把一次吃不完的猎物放在一边过几天回来继续进食，所以如果当地居民在被豹杀死的家畜上投毒那豹子被毒死的几率几乎是百分之一百。更加不幸的是这样被毒死的经常是对食物需求巨大的哺乳期母豹，而如果母豹被杀那它的孩子们也只有死路一条。这也造成了某些区域华北豹雌雄比例严重失调的问题[1]。
据说因为在1862年当时的学名制定者Gray经由日本购买到定义用的那张豹皮所以误称其为“japonensis”[2]。其实日本不产豹。
分類 界 : 動物界 Animalia 門 : 脊索動物門 Chordata 亜門 : 脊椎動物亜門 Vertebrata 綱 : 哺乳綱 Mammalia 目 : 食肉目 Carnivora 科 : ネコ科 Felidae 属 : ヒョウ属 Panthera 種 : ヒョウ P. pardus 亜種 : キタシナヒョウキタシナヒョウ（北支那豹、Panthera pardus japonensis）は、中国東北部と華北地方が原産のヒョウの亜種で、野生下においては絶滅が危惧とされている。2007年現在のキタシナヒョウの野生個体数は不明であり、5年以上前の国勢調査では、約1500匹の野生のキタシナヒョウが居たと言う情報がある。動物園では全世界で約100匹ほど飼育されていると言う情報がある。
生息地域においては山麓の草原や森林に生息している。
食性は肉食でシカ、野生のヤギ、イノシシや小獣・齧歯動物などを捕食している。
2007年11月22日配信のニュースに中国の浙江省において「6年でイノシシの数が3倍に増加！ネズミの大量発生も懸念」と言うニュースがあった。それによると2006年の『浙江省陸生野生動物資源調査報告』で、浙江省のイノシシの数が10万頭近まで急増していることが配信されているが、注目する点としてはイノシシの数が増えた一方で、トラやオオカミ、ヒョウなど野生の大型肉食動物が次第に減少したことが挙げられており、天敵が減少したことが原因の一因とされていた。このニュースにおいては、イノシシの増加は、イノシシの餌でもあるヘビが急速に減少し、ヘビが減ったことで、その餌であるネズミが爆発的に増え生態系の頂点である肉食獣の減少が生態系に多大な影響を与えていることも併せて配信されており、2007年7月には、湖南省でもネズミによる大被害が報告されていた。このニュースにおける浙江省のヒョウはキタシナヒョウと思われる[要出典]。
通常1-2月までにオス、メスがつがいとなり、発情周期は約46日続く。 妊娠したメスは、洞穴、木の洞、茂みの中などで出産する。 出産は通常2-3頭生まれるが乳児死亡率が高く1-2匹しか生き残れない。 出産後約10日で子ヒョウは目を開く。 子ヒョウの体毛は柔らかく灰色がかっている。また大人の体毛より長くより密集した傾向がある。 生後3ヵ月後頃から親(メス)ヒョウの後ろに付き狩りを開始し、12カ月(1歳)で単独で狩りもでき自立できるが、親(メス)ヒョウとは18-24ヵ月の間共に生活をする傾向がある。
別亜種のアムールヒョウと生息地が近いため、アムールヒョウとキタシナヒョウは良く混同されているが別亜種である。 学名 (Panthera pardus japonensis) に日本の名前が入っているが日本においては生息しておらず、学名が発表された1862年は日本では江戸時代にあたり、日本と間違えて記載されたのか、日本経由で入手したのかは不明である。
この項目は、動物に関連した書きかけの項目です。この項目を加筆・訂正などしてくださる協力者を求めています（Portal:生き物と自然／プロジェクト:生物）。 キタシナヒョウ（北支那豹、Panthera pardus japonensis）は、中国東北部と華北地方が原産のヒョウの亜種で、野生下においては絶滅が危惧とされている。2007年現在のキタシナヒョウの野生個体数は不明であり、5年以上前の国勢調査では、約1500匹の野生のキタシナヒョウが居たと言う情報がある。動物園では全世界で約100匹ほど飼育されていると言う情報がある。
북중국표범은 중국대륙에 서식하는 표범의 아종이다. 아무르표범과 비슷한 지역에 사는 경우가 많아서 아종으로 인정하지 않는 학자도 있다. 육식성 이어서 멧돼지, 사슴, 토끼, 영양, 산양 등을 잡아먹는다.
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