North Chinese leopard
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.
Population[change | change source]
The North China leopard is one of the world's nine subspecies of leopards. Its population is mainly distributed in northern China, with the total population across the country estimated to be fewer than 400. In the past, the North China leopard was widely distributed in the Taihang Mountain area. Due to habitat loss, deforestation and poaching.
Diet[change | change source]
Common North China leopard prey are mainly wild boar, roe deer, hare, and pheasant. Illustration of study area and camera trap location. The study area is located in Tie Qiao Shan Nature Reserve, Shanxi Province, China.