According to Sergei Ivanov, Special Presidential Representative for Environmental Protection, Ecology and Transport, extinction of the rarest Far Eastern leopard is no longer a threat. He spoke about this at the Eastern Economic Forum.

“Now, there are more than 100 leopards, and there is practically no threat of their extinction anymore; the population just needs to be preserved and slightly increased. Researchers say, 150 (individuals - ed.) would be ideal,” Ivanov said.

The Far Eastern leopard is the world's rarest large feline, found in the southwest of Russia’s Primorye Territory as well as in a small part of ​​China bordering Russia. At present, there are about 110 leopards there.

Thanks to the work carried out by nature conservation organisations together with government assistance and Sergei Ivanov’s personal involvement, Land of the Leopard National Park was created on 5 April, 2012. The national park has supported a three-fold growth of the leopard population.