The Ecosystem that Harbors the World’s Critically Endangered Big Cats: The Amur
- Teju Vishwamitra
- Jan 11
- 2 min read
According to World Wildlife Fund (worldwildlife.org):“The Amur-Heilong region covers areas of northeastern China and the Russian Far East. The region contains one of the most biologically diverse temperate forests in the world, vast steppe grasslands, and an unbroken taiga biome.”
The Amur River (called Heilong in Chinese), which flows through this region, spans about 2,700 miles (4,300 km). This river forms the border between Russia and China in the Far East, making it a significant waterway. This vast ecosystem boasts more than 6,000 species of plants, 600 species of birds, 130 species of freshwater fish, and about 200 species of mammals, including brown bears and the iconic Amur leopards and tigers.
Amur Flora
The Amur region is home to a rich variety of plants, trees, and shrubs. Notable species include the Amur honeysuckle, Amur cork tree, and Amur maple. The rare Korean pine is also found in this region.
Amur Fauna
The Amur region is home to some of the world's most endangered leopard and tiger subspecies. Scientists and wildlife experts estimate that only 100–200 Amur leopards remain in the region. A 2015 census indicated that the population of Amur tigers had increased to 480–540 individuals in the Russian Far East, including 100 cubs—a very encouraging sign.
In addition to these two apex predators, the Amur region hosts 123 species of fish and various bird species, including the Amur falcon. The primary prey for the big cats includes wild boar, sika deer, and red deer. These are just a few examples, as the region is home to numerous smaller birds, mammals, and reptiles.
How You Can Help
You can help protect the Amur species by contributing to their conservation efforts. Please visit worldwildlife.org to learn more and make a difference.
Did You Know?
1. The Amur area has large stretches of well-preserved temperate forests, making it a valuable ecological area.
2. The Amur river is one of the longest undammed rivers in the Eastern Hemisphere contributing to its unique diversified ecosystem.
3. The Amur region spans across Russia and China, making international cooperation crucial for conservation efforts.
4. The Amur tiger was formerly known as the Siberian tiger.
5. Scientists say that it was from Amur region around 12,000 years ago, that the tigers spread into other regions. Today, India has the largest population of wild tigers, numbering around 3,682 in 2023.
6. Because of warmer climate in India and its surrounding regions, the tigers here are smaller and have less hair compared to the cold-dwelling tigers of Amur.
7. Unfortunately, as everywhere else, the Amur region is affected by illegal wildlife trade , climate change , habitat loss, area fragmentation, and deforestation.
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