I've had another request. We've done leopards before, in conjunction with tigers. The leopards, to me, were just a class act. I trapped them in far eastern Russia, along the coast of the Sea of Japan. They had never before been radio-collared. The Russians told me there were about 24 of them left in the world. Turns out, there were a few more, but not many. The Far Eastern Leopard is probably the most endangered cat in the world.

I tried to locate tracks upon which to set foot snares for the leopards. Here is a leopard, along with a sable and rabbits.



A big male leopard at a bait/camera site.



They really don't look like it, but they blend in pretty good in the oak leaves.



This cat is munching on a piece of roe deer hide we left for bait.



A big male foot-snared at a blind trail set.



Happy Thanksgiving. Hope you enjoy. Jack

What a spectacular career you’ve had!

Awesome stuff!

That’s an incredible cat.

W O W and super wow. I did not even know that leopards existed anywhere hear there. Amazing......jk

How many were collared and is the study still being conducted.

Thanks for the continuing education Jack…it’s much appreciated.

Only 5 were collared. They tried 6 biologists after me; all gave up. The project is no longer running.

Amazing Photos!
Awesome Animals

Very cool!

Has always been my favorite big cat, thank you for all your posts. When I was young you are what I wanted to be when I grew up. Thanks, Charlie

Jack, are they as 'calm' once trapped, as some lynx seem to be ?

Wonderful shots and info, Jack. I first heard of them some years ago in a documentary. All of the leopard types of the world, are gorgeous.

white17 - Like most cats, they are fairly calm in the trap. When humans approach with the blowgun, however, these leopards get a little western.
No, not calm as those "I could give-a-care" lynx.

Jack

Got it !! Thanks !!

How many years back was that Jack? Do you reckon there are still as many around as back then?

Great pics, thanks for sharing.

That was 30 years ago, beaverpeeler. I suspect there are fewer now. The border (barely to the west) is permeable, and Chinese poachers are rampant taking the leopard's main food (musk deer) and taking the leopard itself. Siberian tigers (mainly to the north of the leopards), seem to be doing okay.

Jack

Unfortunately, that was what I was afraid to hear.

Wow what an incredible animal and photos! You are truly blessed to have led the life you have. You have gone places and seen critters most of us only dream about. Thanks for sharing.

Wow, what cool cat and photos, thanks for posting. I hope the can survive in this modern world.