North Chinese Leopard (Panthera pardus japonensis)

[Ngala]

This thread is dedicated to the North-Chinese Leopard. Share photos, videos, data and all information about these leopards.

The North-Chinese Leopard (Panthera pardus japonensis) is an endangered leopard subspecies that inhabits the internal lands of the central and north eastern China. 

In 1998 the population was estimated around 1000 individuals; in 2015, is estimated a total population of 174-348 individuals (Laguardia et al., 2015). Unfortunately, the distribution is highly fragmented and few leopard are isolated in nature reserves and in a remote areas. In 1998 the population is estimated about 1000 individuals. This subspecies have lost the 98% of his historical range distribution.

The habitat destruction and fragmentation, the killings due to conflict, a low prey base and poaching for wildlife trade, is the causes of his decline.

China is the nation (the only nation) that hosts the most number of subspecies of leopards: 

• North Chinese Leopard (Panthera pardus japonensis) that is present in the central part of China;
• Amur Leopard (Panthera pardus orientalis) in north east China, at the border with Russia and North Corea;
• Indochinese Leopard (Panthera pardus delacouri) in south west, at the border with Laos and Myanmar (south of the Yunnan province and in the Guangdong region);
• Indian Leopard (Panthera pardus fusca) that inhabits the high altitude regions of south central Tibet and Himalaya, including the forests of the mount Everest.
  

In the east of the Tibet region (Xizang), there is also present a recently discovered population of leopards, that need a major investigation to clarify the subspecies. Laguardia et al., based on the continuos range distribution and similar habitat consider it Panthera pardus japonensis.

This is a map provided by Laguardia et al., 2015 with the current distribution of leopards in China:

*This image is copyright of its original author

North Chinese Leopard from Zhouzhi National Reserve, Qinling mountains (Shaanxi province).

*This image is copyright of its original author

North Chinese Leopard caught with camera trap in Shuishui River Reserve. Credits to Zhou Zhefeng.

*This image is copyright of its original author

North Chinese Leopard. I found in this chinese site this locality: "Nanjing Xi'an Nature Reserve - Tin Mountain National". Anyone can confirm me? Peter, you know information about this area? @peter 

*This image is copyright of its original author

North Chinese Leopard caught with camera trap in Guanyinshan Nature Reserve (Shaanxi province).

*This image is copyright of its original author

Reply