Endagered Amur Leopard killed...

Tragic. They are such beautiful creatures, but are destined for extinction in the immediate future. I do not believe this subspecies of Leopard will ever make a come back, as the gene pool is so small now that not enough genetic diversity exists. Consequently, fatal implications like mutations and disorders will arise due to in-breeding.
The scarce Amur Leopard is featured in the Planet Earth series, with rare footage of a mother and cubs. Such graceful animals they are.
With less than 50 remaining in the wild, and 6 of which are females, the situation does not look bright at all.
As for the hunters, I will have nothing but contempt.





- Knights -

Originally posted by Constantine XI At least 100 are needed to guarantee the species' survival which depends upon female leopards breeding. There are more male leopards in the wild than female because cats tend to breed males when under stress I found this a very interesting feature of the species. Perhaps a way of increasing the number of protectors during times when the species feels itself being threatened.

I guess you could increase protection during the breeding season, though it is a cost for the government, and in the countries where the Amur Leopard inhabits, that could be something unfavourable for the government.
In places like South East Asia and India, funds are having to be donated from organisations in order to cover expenses needed for conservation. Border Patrol, Poachers and Biologists are being donated and funded in various programs.
If China/Russia could develop something along these lines, or at least accept the initiative of an international conservation agency, for example, your suggestion could go to plan.
It would definitely ensure a much safer gestation, and less stressful. If numbers at least stabilise in a similar ratio, we have made a difference, and that in itself is worth it.
I believe if the recipient/inhabited nations are willing to take the initiative, then this idea of yours could go a long way. I know it has been very successful in other instances of conservation, such as with Bald Eagles in North America, and Little (Fairy) Penguins right here in Sydney.

- Knights -

Kill the hunters and not the animals!

the CNN link does not work btw:

http://www.newscientist.com/channel/life/endangered-species/dn11708-amur-leopards-now-one-step-closer-to-extinction.html