Land of the Leopard National Park

Land of the Leopard Overview

Land of the Leopard National Park, locally known as Национальный парк «Земля леопарда», is a vast protected area in the Russian Far East. Spanning approximately 1,081 square miles (2,799 square kilometers), it is situated in Primorsky Krai near the borders of China and North Korea.

The park was established in 2012 with the primary goal of protecting the critically endangered Amur leopard, one of the rarest big cats in the world. This vast and ecologically significant region serves as a crucial sanctuary for a diverse range of wildlife while preserving the natural landscapes of the region.

The park’s terrain is a combination of rolling hills, river valleys, and dense forests that provide a perfect environment for its inhabitants. As part of the Manchurian mixed forests ecoregion, the park is home to a rich variety of flora, including Korean pine, Mongolian oak, maple, and linden trees.

The dense vegetation offers essential cover and resources for both predators and prey, maintaining a delicate ecological balance. The hills and mountains scattered across the park create dramatic scenery, while the many small rivers and streams provide an essential water source for the wildlife.

Wildlife enthusiasts visiting the park can encounter a remarkable array of species. The most famous inhabitant is the elusive Amur leopard, whose numbers have been steadily increasing due to the park’s conservation efforts. The park is also home to the Siberian tiger, another apex predator that roams the region.

Other notable mammals include the Eurasian lynx, brown bear, and Himalayan black bear. The diverse ecosystem also supports ungulates such as the Siberian roe deer and wild boar, which serve as prey for the region’s big cats. The park’s skies are filled with bird species, including raptors like the black vulture, which can be seen soaring above the forests.

Visitors are drawn to several popular features within the park. One of the main attractions is the “Leopard’s Lair” trail, which offers an immersive journey into the habitat of the Amur leopard. This trail allows visitors to explore the landscapes that these rare cats call home, with a chance to see tracks or other signs of their presence.

Another highlight is the Barbashevskaya cave on Mount Skalistaya, a natural formation used as a shelter by wildlife. These areas provide a glimpse into the wild and untamed beauty of the region while offering insight into the lives of its remarkable inhabitants.

The park offers several ways for visitors to engage with and experience its wonders. Guided tours are available, allowing participants to explore the wilderness with experts who share knowledge about the region’s ecosystems and conservation efforts.

Wildlife observation hides provide opportunities to view animals in their natural habitats without disturbing them. Educational programs at the visitor center in the village of Barabash help raise awareness about the importance of conservation while providing interactive experiences for visitors of all ages.

Since its creation, the park has achieved significant conservation successes. The Amur leopard population has grown from about 30 individuals in 2012 to more than 80 in recent years, thanks to anti-poaching measures, habitat restoration, and intensive monitoring programs.

These efforts have helped stabilize and grow the population of one of the world’s most endangered cats. Despite these achievements, challenges remain, including managing human-wildlife conflicts and ensuring that tourism remains sustainable. Continued efforts are necessary to protect the fragile balance of this ecosystem while allowing people to appreciate its unique beauty.

Park Map

Land of the Leopard National Park Highlights

Wildlife

Birds

The Land of the Leopard National Park is home to a diverse range of bird species, including rare raptors, waterfowl, and migratory songbirds. The park’s varied landscape provides crucial breeding and feeding habitats. Here are some of the most iconic bird species found in the park.

Blakiston’s Fish Owl (Bubo blakistoni)
The world’s largest owl species, Blakiston’s fish owl is a top predator along the park’s rivers, hunting fish, amphibians, and small mammals.

Steller’s Sea Eagle (Haliaeetus pelagicus)
A massive raptor with striking black-and-white plumage, Steller’s sea eagle hunts fish and waterfowl along the park’s rivers and coastal areas.

Red-crowned Crane (Grus japonensis)
An endangered species, the red-crowned crane is a symbol of longevity in East Asia. It breeds in the park’s wetlands and performs elaborate courtship dances.

Mandarin Duck (Aix galericulata)
One of the world’s most beautiful waterfowl species, the Mandarin duck is commonly found along rivers and lakes, where it feeds on aquatic plants and insects.

White-tailed Eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla)
A powerful predator, the white-tailed eagle soars over the park’s river valleys, hunting fish and waterfowl.

Great Spotted Woodpecker (Dendrocopos major)
A common but striking species, the great spotted woodpecker thrives in the park’s forests, feeding on insects and tree sap.

Eurasian Three-toed Woodpecker (Picoides tridactylus)
A specialist in coniferous forests, this woodpecker helps control insect populations by foraging beneath tree bark.

Mugimaki Flycatcher (Ficedula mugimaki)
A colorful migratory songbird, the Mugimaki flycatcher breeds in the park’s forests before migrating south for the winter.

Eurasian Jay (Garrulus glandarius)
A highly intelligent and striking bird, the Eurasian jay is often seen foraging for acorns and seeds in the park’s forests.

Whooper Swan (Cygnus cygnus)
A large and elegant waterfowl species, the whooper swan breeds in the park’s wetlands, feeding on aquatic plants.

Land of the Leopard National Park plays a vital role in the conservation of the Amur leopard and other rare species, ensuring that this unique ecosystem remains protected for future generations.

The Land of the Leopard National Park, located in the Russian Far East, is a crucial conservation area dedicated to protecting the critically endangered Amur leopard. This park’s rugged mountains, dense forests, and river valleys provide an essential habitat for a diverse array of wildlife. Below are some of the more popular species that inhabit Land of the Leopard National Park.

Amur Leopard (Panthera pardus orientalis)
One of the rarest big cats in the world, the Amur leopard is critically endangered, with only a few hundred individuals remaining. The park provides a vital refuge for this elusive predator, which preys on roe deer, hares, and wild boar.

Amur Tiger (Panthera tigris altaica)
The largest tiger subspecies, the Amur tiger shares its habitat with the Amur leopard. This powerful apex predator requires vast territories and hunts wild boar, sika deer, and other ungulates.

Sika Deer (Cervus nippon hortulorum)
A primary prey species for both Amur leopards and tigers, the sika deer thrives in the park’s mixed forests, grazing on leaves, twigs, and grasses.

Wild Boar (Sus scrofa ussuricus)
An essential part of the park’s ecosystem, the wild boar is a common prey species for tigers and leopards. It forages in the forest, searching for roots, berries, and small animals.

Eurasian Lynx (Lynx lynx wrangeli)
A smaller but formidable predator, the Eurasian lynx hunts hares, rodents, and small deer in the dense forests of the park.

Ussuri Brown Bear (Ursus arctos lasiotus)
This large omnivore forages in the park’s forests, feeding on berries, roots, fish, and small mammals. It hibernates during the harsh winter months.

Raccoon Dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides)
A unique canid species, the raccoon dog thrives in the park’s wetlands and forests, scavenging for fruits, insects, and small mammals.

Sable (Martes zibellina)
A small but agile predator, the sable is known for its valuable fur. It inhabits the park’s taiga forests, hunting rodents, birds, and insects.

Far Eastern Turtle (Mauremys reevesii)
One of the few reptile species in the park, this freshwater turtle is commonly found in rivers and wetlands, feeding on aquatic plants and small invertebrates.

Amur Goral (Naemorhedus caudatus)
A rare goat-antelope species, the Amur goral is an excellent climber, navigating the park’s steep cliffs and rocky outcrops.