Amur Leopars Spotted By Camera Traps Set up in Northeast China [VIDEO]

The Wildlife Conservation society (WCS) has released stunning footage of Amur leopard that is rarely seen in the wild. The video was captured by digital camera traps set up in remote and inaccessible region of northeast China.

With the release of the latest footage, the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) confirms the presence of female Amur leopard along with two cubs have been captured by the camera traps placed in the Wangqing Nature reserve in northeast China. This sighting makes it the first record of breeding by the Amur leopard- a critically endangered cat in China.

"This incredible find is important for two reasons. Firstly, it shows that our current efforts are paying off but, secondly, it shows that China can no longer be considered peripheral to the fate of both wild Amur Leopards and Tigers," Joe Walston, WCS Executive Director for Asia Programs, said in a statement.

The WCS strongly feels that if the government works on making a few key decisions, China could turn into a major sanctuary for the species.

Classified as critically endangered, the Amur leopard (Panthera pardus orientalis) is a subspecies of leopard and is native to southeastern Russia and northeast China are mostly found along this thin strip of land. It is also known as Manchurian leopard, Korean leopard and Far Eastern leopard. They are known to be conservative on their choice of territory. There are only 30-50 individuals left in the wild. They face a great threat from poaching, habitat encroachment, deforestation and rapid change in climate and environment.

WCS has dedicated more than a decade in improving the conditions of leopards. They work towards expanding and improving the law enforcement efforts, educating the government agencies. The agency also works with the members of local communities to enhance the livestock husbandry techniques that lower human disturbances and encounter with leopard habitat.

The sighting shows that WCS' efforts are paying-off.