Completed in early August 2019 this drawing of an Amur Leopard was initially for the “Sketch for Survival 2019” auction to raise awareness around the plight of the many endangered species fighting for survival…
The resulting drawing combines the head of this incredible animal with the habitat of the snowy forests bordering Russia and China, a concept that has developed from my other drawings that associate humans and animals with natural landscapes.
At present there is estimated to be only 90 of these individuals left and is considered to be one of the rarest cats on earth…
In the Russian Far East, the Amur leopard inhabits an area of about 7,000 km2 (2,700 sq mi) today. It is well adapted to a cold climate and snow. Leopards cross between Russia, China, and North Korea across the Tumen River despite a high and long wire fence marking the boundary. The first camera trap image of an Amur leopard in northeastern China was taken in 2010 in Hunchun National Nature Reserve located in the Changbai Mountains in Jilin and Heilongjiang Provinces. This habitat consists of broadleaved conifer and Korean pine forests at altitudes of 600–1,200 m (2,000–3,900 ft), where annual average temperature is about 1.5 °C (34.7 °F). In this area, leopards were repeatedly photographed by camera traps set up between January 2013 and July 2014 covering up to 4,858 km2 (1,876 sq mi). Elsewhere in China, leopard range is fragmented with small populations occurring foremost in isolated reserves. In Shanxi Province, leopards were recorded in 16 protected areas during camera trapping surveys between 2007 and 2014. In Shaanxi Province, leopards were recorded in six nature reserves, including Foping National Nature Reserve
The original drawing will be displayed as part of the Invitational Collection and new Focus for Survival photographic section on the Sketch for Survival UK tour, concluding at the Royal Geographical Society.
The Tour
Bristol
The Gallery Space, The Island, 1st Floor Bridewell St, Bristol, BS1 2LE
Private viewing by invitation only. Tuesday 8th October 6 pm – 8pm
Wednesday 9th October 10am – 6pm
Thursday 10th October 10am – 4.30pm
Harrogate
The Wildlife & Travel Show, Harrogate Convention Centre, Kings Rd, Harrogate, HG1 5LA
Saturday 12th October 10am – 5:30pm
Sunday 13th October 10am – 4:30pm
Norwich
The Crypt Gallery, Norwich Cathedral Close, Norwich, NR1 4DD
Thursday 31st October 11am – 5pm. Private viewing by invitation only 6pm-8pm
Friday 1st November 11am-5pm
Saturday 2nd November 11am- 4pm
London
Official charity of the Conde Nast Luxury Travel Fair. Olympia, London, W14 8UX.
Thursday 7th November 10am – 5pm
Friday 8th November 10am – 5pm
Saturday 9th November 10am – 5pm
Sunday 10th November 10am – 4:30pm.
London
“On the Edge” An evening at the Royal Geographical Society. 1 Kensington Gore, London, SW7 2AR.
Thursday 14th November 7pm – 10pm
Please contact me for more details if you would like to know more information about purchasing one of these special limited edition prints.
