Amur Leopard

The Amur Leopard is a subspecies of Leopards that are a bit out of place. Out of place literally and figuratively the Amur Leopard lives in the Russian Far East. This is a huge difference from the normal African Savannah of most leopards and its much colder in Russia showing the Amur Leopard's ability to adapt.

The reason the Amur Leopard is endangered is mainly because of poaching for its beautiful fur skin. This is very bad because the leopard is essential to the environment it lives in. The leopards help keep its prey population in check, especially that of the sika deer.

I'm afraid you will surely die by Amur's hand....

Efforts are being taken to protect the Amur Leopards and in 2012 Russia declared a new protected area. The protection area can be read more about on World Wildlife.com but it is basically 650,000 acres of land that includes about 60% of the Amur Leopards habitat and it is called the Land of the Leopard National Park. It also has 10 Amur Tigers as well. This is the first step in bring the cat back to a healthy population. 

So what do you think? Do you think National Parks are a good step for protecting endangered species? I think they are effective and a great start, but I'd like to hear your opinion.