Scientists from Russia, the USA and Japan studied genetic code of rare Far East leopards and made some suggestions for preservation of this subspecies in its natural environment.
      
      First results of an eight-year-long study of DNA of these leopards were presented in the Amur branch of WWF. Received information confirms previous data about abundance stability and normal sex structure of leopard population.
      
      DNA samples revealed 18 male and 19 female leopards. DNA was extracted from hair and droppings of the animals, collected between 2000 and 2008.
      
      During recent 40 years population of Far East leopards is quite stable. Census shows that only 30-35 great cats live happily in their natural environment, and special leopard reserve was established a year ago.
      
      Source: Science News