The Royal Commission for Al Ula (RCU) announced the birth of a rare Arabian leopard cub in 2021. The event sparked hope for the critically endangered Arabian leopards and their survival. The Arabian leopard gave birth to a female cub on April 23rd, which is now one of 16 born in the Arabian Leopard Breeding Center in Taif, Saudi Arabia.
The Arabian leopard is a subspecies of leopards found only in the Arabian Peninsula. They are a smaller subspecies with a coat ranging from pale yellow to tawny with small patches of densely packed open rosettes. These species of leopard can be found in rough highlands with a nearby water source. They require extensive territory to hunt for food and water and thrive in a desert environment.
In the past, Arabian leopards inhabited East, Central, South, and Southeast Asia, Siberia, Africa, and Arabia. Today, it’s only found in Sub-Saharan Africa, with relict populations in Arabia, India, Sri Lanka, Southeast Asia, and China. Historically, the majority of Arabian leopards were found in the Arabian Peninsula’s highland regions, Levant region, and Sinai region. The population is now restricted to Oman’s Dhofar region, Yemen’s Hajjah and Al Mahrah governorates, and Israel/Judean Palestine’s Desert and Negev highlands.
Arabian Leopard Day
With less than 200 Arabian leopards left in the wild, The IUCN Red List classifies the Arabian leopards as critically endangered. The leopard faces severe threats from habitat loss, prey scarcity, and private animal skin collectors. However, the successful birth of a female Arabian leopard provides hope for their preservation. Saving endangered animals like the Arabian leopards is vital for the planet’s conservation and ecosystem’s natural equilibrium. As a result, February 10th has been proclaimed as Arabian Leopard Day in Saudi Arabia.
The first Arabian Leopard Day raised awareness of the species’ condition. Previously, they roamed freely across the Arabian Peninsula but are now confined to small, dispersed populations in Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Yemen. Classroom education projects are being held all around the region to commemorate Arabian Leopard Day. In addition, many Saudi government agencies will use the official emblem of Arabian Leopard Day on their social media channels and websites from February 2022 in support of the cause.
Current outlook
The work of the Royal Commission for AlUla lies at the heart of these initiatives. The Royal Commission for AlUla Governorate established the Global Fund to protect this species of leopard from extinction in Sharaan Protectorate, AlUla. The initiative is under the supervision and cooperation of the Crown Prince. The Royal Commission for AlUla’s has also constructed nature reserves, provides park ranger training to AlUla citizens, and developed a breeding center in the Sharaan Nature Reserve. To further the cause, it is also collaborating with several agencies including the IUCN or International Union for Conservation of Nature.
The RCU signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Catmosphere Foundation, marking a significant step forward in regional efforts to safeguard the the leopards survival. Catmosphere and RCU will join forces on numerous innovative and sustainable campaigns, communication activities and events to ensure the betterment of these leopards. In a nutshell, the underlying idea behind the Arabian Leopard Day and other initiatives is to reintroduce Arabian leopards back into the AlUla highlands and eventually rewild them.
