Stunning new photos of North China leopards—majestic big cats once thought to be vanishing—are going viral, thanks to conservationists and a passionate photographer. 📸 The China Felid Conservation Alliance (CFCA) and photographer Xiao Shibai revealed snapshots of these elusive creatures roaming the Taihang Mountains’ forests, captured between May and November 2023.
🌳 Why It Matters: These leopards, growing up to 2 meters long, are a ‘barometer’ for forest health. Their presence means the ecosystem is thriving enough to support predators. \"Protecting them protects everything,\" says the CFCA, which has tracked 90+ adults in the region since 2013.
🏞️ Back from the Brink: Once squeezed by shrinking habitats, the leopards were listed as threatened in 2012. But since 2017, a coalition of NGOs, universities, and local governments has worked to safeguard their mountain homes. Now, their territories span the Taihang and Yanshan ranges—including areas near Beijing!
🔍 Fun Fact: Did you know these leopards were almost named after Japan? A mislabeled 1862 pelt (actually from near Beijing!) led British scientists to dub them Panthera pardus japonensis. Talk about a mix-up! 🎌➡️🇨🇳
👉 What’s Next: The CFCA hopes these images inspire global support. As Xiao Shibai’s lens shows: conservation works—but the fight’s not over.
