Rare cats born at zoo are boost to conservation
Two Amur leopard cubs proving to be big draw
TWO of the world’s rarest big cats have been born at Twycross Zoo.
The Amur leopard cubs were born to mum Kristen and dad Davidoff on June 28, the second litter for the pair. The arrival brings hope for the survival of this rare species on the brink of extinction in the wild.
While the young cubs have not yet ventured from the comfort of their den, they have been caught peeking at the outside world and visitors can watch them in a livestream via a big screen at the leopards’ enclosure.
Native to Russia’s far eastern forests and mountains, the critically endangered species suffer from habitat loss, increasing prey scarcity and diseases, as well as being poached for their beautiful fur.
Latest expert estimations suggest the number of wild Amur leopards has shrunk to less than 70 individuals in recent years, although the exact number is very difficult to count as they are so rare. With just 200 of these leopards in zoos across the world the new cubs at Twycross will help ensure healthy genetic lines in the captive-bred, and potentially wild, populations.
Twycross Zoo is working with partner organisations such as Wildlife Vets International, towards the reintroduction of these animals into the wild and securing the continuation of viable wild populations. The zoo also participates in the European Endangered Species Programme and hopes the new cubs, as well as their older siblings, could be part of these wider long-term conservation plans.
The Russian govern- ment approved the plan for the Amur leopards’ reintroduction in June 2015, and while the progress is slow due to the continuing international negotiations it bodes very well for the continued survival of this species.
The Twycross Zoo keepers reported that there were no complications during the birth and soon after the cubs were already active and suckling.
In the wild, Amur leop- ard cubs are weaned when they are three months old and usually leave the mother before reaching two years.
Similarly, Kristen’s first pair of cubs, which were born in 2014, have made their move towards adulthood. Arina moved to Highland Wildlife Park in Kincraig, Scotland, earlier this year and Alexei will soon be transported to Tallinn Zoo in Estonia.
Dr Charlotte Macdonald, director of life sciences, said: “We are excited about our new arrivals and it is great to see how their mother is confidently responding to the cubs now that she is a more experienced mum.
“The three of them remain hidden away in a special birthing den but the cameras inside allow us to monitor the babies’ progress without disturbance. The birth is fantastic news for the entire species as Twycross Zoo actively participates in the conservation of the critically endangered Amur leopards and captive-bred cubs such as these two could help ensure the long-term survival of the species.”