Footage of an extremely rare big cat species was recently captured by a trail camera in China. It’s providing hope that dedicated conservation efforts are giving the animal a new chance to thrive.

In a Facebook post from China Xinhua News (@China Xinhua News), an Amur leopard was caught on camera letting out a giant yawn.

“This rare ultra HD footage of an Amur leopard was captured by a 4K infrared camera installed in a forest in Sichuan, southwest China,” noted the post. “[The] Amur leopard is a first-class protected animal in China.”

While the footage lacks any high-octane action or excitement, it quickly earned praise from users in the comment section.

“He is majestic, a glorious creature!” wrote one commenter.

“Beautiful animal. I’m glad it’s being protected,” acknowledged another user. “They should be here for all to see in the future.”

Whether capturing mundane behavior or breathtaking feats, trail camera footage can play an important role in conservation practice. It provides critical data on animal populations, behavior, and habitat use without disrupting wildlife.

This information helps conservationists monitor endangered species. It also raises public awareness for conservation efforts for lesser known animals.

The Amur leopard is a critically endangered species of leopard that is native to the forests of Russia and China. Its existence has become greatly threatened by habitat loss from human expansion and poaching for its valuable fur. Its wild population is now well under 100.

Organizations like Wildlife Vets International have made concerted efforts to protect the Amur leopard population and promote further reproduction. Without much time left for the species, the organization has developed and implemented a years-long program to release captive-bred leopards into the wild.

As an apex predator, the Amur leopard can help to maintain an ecosystem’s health and balance by regulating prey populations. By hunting and feeding on species such as deer and boar, they can prevent overpopulation. This can go a long way in helping plant life flourish and ensuring that the entire food chain remains stable.

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