Stunning photographs of the North China leopards (Panthera pardus japonensis) have emerged from the middle section of the Taihang Mountains in northern China. Captured between May and November 2023, these images were released by Chinese photographer Xiao Shibai in collaboration with the China Felid Conservation Alliance (CFCA).
“We hope that these photos and their stories can be spread more widely, so that more people can know about these animals in China and thus protect them,” stated representatives from the CFCA.
The CFCA, a non-profit organization dedicated to the protection of wild cats in China since 2013, has identified over 90 adult leopards in this significant habitat. The organization’s efforts highlight the importance of conservation and raise awareness about the species’ dwindling population.
The North China leopard, which can grow up to two meters in length and weigh around 70 kilograms, serves as a vital indicator of a healthy ecosystem. Their presence signifies robust forest environments where prey is abundant. Currently, these majestic cats are found in mountainous forests across northern and northwestern China.
Historically, in 1862, a leopard pelt from this subspecies arrived at the British Museum. Misconstrued as originating from Japan, British zoologist John Edward Gray named it Panthera pardus japonensis. In reality, the pelt was sourced from the mountainous regions northwest of Beijing, as leopards had not been documented in Japan.
Endemic to China, the North China leopard primarily inhabits territories along the Taihang and Yanshan mountains. Beijing, situated at the intersection of these two mountain ranges, once served as a crucial habitat for them. However, habitat loss has led to a decline in their population.
In recognition of their vulnerable status, the International Union for Conservation of Nature listed the North China leopard on the Red List of Threatened Species in 2012. Since 2017, the CFCA has collaborated with local governments, public welfare organizations, universities, and the private sector to safeguard and restore their natural habitats.
These recent photographs not only showcase the beauty of the North China leopards but also serve as a call to action for increased conservation efforts. Protecting these leopards ensures the preservation of China’s rich biodiversity and the health of its forest ecosystems.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
