The park is most famous for hosting the world's largest population of critically endangered Amur leopards, with approximately 100 individuals. It also provides habitat for Siberian tigers, Asiatic black bears, and Amur tigers. The park supports diverse ungulate species including sika deer, roe deer, and wild boar, which serve as prey for the large predators. Over 200 bird species inhabit or migrate through the park, including the black stork and mandarin duck. The area also harbors numerous rare amphibian and reptile species, making it a crucial biodiversity hotspot.
The park's vegetation is remarkably diverse, featuring a unique mix of northern and southern species. The territory contains temperate broadleaf and mixed forests, with Korean pine and Mongolian oak dominating the canopy. Other significant species include Manchurian ash, Japanese elm, and various maple species. The understory is rich in medicinal plants, wild ginseng, and numerous berry species. The park also harbors rare plant species such as the Korean mountain ash and Manchurian birthwort. This diverse flora creates essential habitats for the park's wildlife and represents one of the most species-rich temperate forests in the world.
The park's terrain is characterized by the southern spurs of the Sikhote-Alin mountain range, with elevations ranging from sea level to 950 meters. The landscape features numerous valleys, ridges, and hills formed during ancient geological processes. The bedrock consists primarily of limestone and granite formations, creating diverse microclimates and habitats. The park's western border follows the Amur River basin, while its eastern edge meets the Sea of Japan, resulting in a varied topography that includes coastal areas, river valleys, and mountain slopes.
Land of Leopard National Park was established in 2012, primarily to protect the critically endangered Amur leopard and its habitat. The area has a rich cultural history dating back centuries, with evidence of human settlement from ancient times. The region was traditionally inhabited by indigenous peoples including the Udege and Nanai. During the 20th century, the area faced significant challenges from logging, poaching, and development, which severely impacted the Amur leopard population. The park's creation marked a crucial turning point in conservation efforts, consolidating several smaller protected areas into one large reserve spanning 262,000 hectares.
The park offers several remarkable features, including the 'Leopard Trail' - a specially designed hiking route where visitors can observe leopard habitat safely. The Kedrovaya Pad Nature Reserve, the park's core zone, contains some of the oldest and most pristine forests in the region. The park's observation towers provide excellent wildlife viewing opportunities, while its visitor center offers educational exhibits about local wildlife and conservation efforts. The coastal areas offer stunning views of the Sea of Japan, and several historical sites within the park showcase ancient petroglyphs and archaeological remains from early human settlements.
The Land of Leopard National Park experiences a monsoon climate typical of the Russian Far East, with distinct seasonal variations. Winters are cold and relatively dry (November to March), with temperatures ranging from -15°C to 0°C, while summers (June to August) are warm and humid, reaching 20-30°C. Spring and autumn are brief transitional seasons marked by variable conditions. The park receives significant rainfall during the summer monsoon period, with annual precipitation averaging 600-800mm. The unique climate supports the park's diverse ecosystem and creates ideal conditions for its famous Amur leopard population.
Russia
43.4570°, 131.6470°
2012
2799
Land of Leopard is dedicated to protecting the critically endangered Amur leopard and Siberian tiger. The park encompasses temperate broadleaf and mixed forests. It represents one of the last remaining habitats for these rare big cats.