Latest news with #ArabianLeopard
Forbes
07-07-2025
- Science
- Forbes
How Saudi Arabia Is Rescuing Endangered Arabian Leopards And Gazelles
In this Tuesday, July 30, 2013 photo, a four year old Arabian leopard called "Spoti" looks into the ... More camera at the Breeding Center for the Arabian Wildlife in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. (AP Photo/Kamran Jebreili) Arabian leopards, the smallest of the leopard subspecies have been heavily impacted by climate change, habitat destruction, poaching and a loss of prey in the last few years. Once spread out widely across the mountains of the Arabian peninsula in Saudi Arabia, UAE, Oman and Yemen, these big cats are currently on the brink of extinction. The International Union for Conservation of Nature has listed the Arabian leopard as critically endangered, with 100-120 left in the wild, as of October 2022. Out of these, however, only 70-84 are estimated to be mature individuals. These remaining leopards mainly live in Oman and Yemen, with very few, if any, left in Saudi Arabia. However, they are already locally extinct in Jordan, UAE, Israel, Palestine and Egypt's Sinai Peninsula. In an effort to protect these highly endangered animals, Saudi Arabia has launched key conservation initiatives, as part of the Saudi Green Initiative. Dr. Belisa Marochi, sustainability and leadership professor at Hult International Business School, told me in an interview: 'Spearheading these efforts is the National Center for Wildlife, which runs breeding programmes and restores degraded habitats, building on the success of the Arabian oryx recovery project.' Saudi Arabia, along with other countries, successfully brought the Arabian oryx back from the brink of extinction. It is now used as a blueprint to shape Arabian leopard conservation efforts. Along with leopards, Saudi Arabia is also working on preserving Arabian sand gazelles which have been classified as vulnerable by the IUCN, with between 1,750 and 2,150 mature individuals left in the wild as of 2016. These conservation attempts are focused mainly on the country's Sharaan Nature Reserve and AIUIa region. Urban development and declining prey main threats to Arabian leopards For several years now, Arabian leopard habitats have been degraded by a number of factors. These include human encroachment, mainly through agriculture and urbanization, which had led to leopard habitat being turned into farms, settlements and roads, among others. These changes contribute to isolating and dividing habitat areas, which in turn, makes it more difficult for Arabian leopards to breed and move around. Decreasing prey populations are another issue, mainly caused by overhunting of vital prey species like gazelles, ibex and hyraxes. This causes leopards to turn more to livestock for food, which can lead to more human-leopard conflicts and retaliatory killings. Overgrazing by livestock such as sheep, camels and goats can also reduce vegetation quality, which can reduce the number of prey available for leopards. Similarly, human encroachment and urban development are major threats to Arabian gazelle habitats as well. These animals have also been significantly impacted by overhunting and poaching, along with increased competition with livestock in overgrazed areas. Habitat restoration and rewilding key to conservation efforts Saudi Arabia is now trying to restore and rewild Arabian leopard and gazelle habitats through a number of initiatives, led mainly by the Royal Commission for AlUla. H. Bobby Fokidis, associate professor of biology at Rollins College, told me in an interview: 'The grand plan is to rewild parts of Saudi Arabia that haven't seen these species in decades, if not centuries.' These include captive breeding and reintroduction programs, establishing nature reserves and planting more native trees and plants, along with more research and international collaborations. An Arabian Leopard Fund has also been established by the RCU for this purpose. In 2019, the organization pledged $20 million to leopard conservation in Saudi Arabia and globally over the next decade. The captive breeding programs have already started showing encouraging results, with a rare litter of Arabian leopard triplets being born at the RCU's Arabian Leopard Conservation Breeding Centre in Taif back in December 2024. This was the first time a triplet Arabian leopard litter was born in captivity in Saudi Arabia. In time, the Kingdom plans to reintroduce these captive-bred leopards into its rewilded areas. The RCU is also working on partnerships with Conservation Biology Institute and the Smithsonian's National Zoo, to further improve its breeding initiatives. Establishing natural reserves such as the Sharaan Nature Reserve was another important step to enhance rewilding initiatives. The RCU is working on protecting degraded habitats from domestic animals as well, thus giving natural vegetation a chance to regrow. It is also trying to boost natural prey numbers for species such as Arabian gazelles, Arabian oryx and the Nubian ibex. The Zoological Society of London has been contributing to Saudi Arabia's long-term sand gazelle breeding, captive management, reintroduction and monitoring efforts. This has mainly been in collaboration with the King Khalid Wildlife Research Centre. Sand gazelles bred in captivity have been reintroduced to the Kingdom's Empty Quarter, as well as the Ibex Reserve and Uruq Bani Ma'arid. ZSL has also helped train local staff in data collection and conservation techniques, while also furthering the understanding of gazelle genetics. Fokidis pointed out: 'For gazelles, the rewilding is a little further along. There have already been actual reintroductions of both Arabian and mountain gazelles into areas of substantial size like Sharaan and King Salman Royal Natural Reserves.' Several native tree species like acacias are also being planted, especially in Sharaan National Park, in an attempt to reverse desertification and reintroduce vegetation to this area. According to the IUCN World Conservation Congress, more than half a million seedlings have been planted already across active restoration areas. Community engagement to foster greater Arabian leopard-human harmony In addition to the above measures, Saudi Arabia is focusing heavily on public awareness and community engagement programs. These have been crucial in educating local communities about the importance of Arabian leopards and sand gazelles in the ecosystem and encouraging public participation in conservation initiatives. In several cases, this also includes suggesting livestock protection solutions, highlighting the benefits of ecotourism and implementing early warning systems. These livestock protection methods can include using livestock guardian dogs and building predator-proof enclosures from wire mesh and other sturdy materials. Community-based conservation programs also involve regular community meetings. These focus on assessing predator activity, as well as on conflict minimizing technique training. This can go a long way in decreasing livestock-leopard and human-leopard interactions. Marochi noted: 'Public education plays a central role, with campaigns designed to raise awareness of the importance of safeguarding Saudi Arabia's natural heritage for generations to come. The initiative demonstrates that economic diversification and wildlife conservation can go hand in hand.' The RCU has also joined forces with organizations such as Panthera, a wild cat conservation group, to further improve conservation methods and monitor the Arabian leopard's status in the Kingdom. It is also trying to work with other range states across the Arabian Peninsula in order to align conservation initiatives. Fragile ecosystems and arid conditions make conservation trickier Although Saudi Arabia has considerably ramped up its conservation efforts already, significant challenges still remain. One of the main hurdles is how elusive and rare Arabian leopards are, making it very difficult for researchers and organizations to study them and develop appropriate conservation strategies. Another great conservation challenge is Saudi Arabia's unique ecosystem. Fokidis highlighted: 'Rewilding in Saudi Arabia means dealing with hyper-arid desert conditions and very fragile ecosystems that can take centuries to completely recover. The fact is that much of the original habitat has been fragmented or altered beyond recognition.' Much of this damage has also been caused by off-roaders and dune bashers, who can significantly harm desert wildlife by causing vegetation loss, soil disturbances and habitat fragmentation. This in turn disrupts breeding grounds and food chains, while also increasing pollution and harming desert ecosystem productivity. However, these activities continue to be very popular among tourists, especially given Saudi Arabia's increased efforts to promote tourism in the last few years. 'Unlike rewilding efforts in temperate climates like the US and Europe, Saudi Arabia's projects face extreme environmental conditions where species must be adapted to scarce water, harsh temperatures, and limited vegetation,' noted Fokidis. Reintroducing apex predators like the Arabian leopard, along with a considerable number of prey species also means that a lot of open space is needed. However, given the increasing number of Saudi Arabian giga-projects such as NEOM and Diriyah, open space may soon be much harder to come by, potentially causing issues for long-term rewilding projects. Poaching and illegal hunting, apart from retaliatory killings, are other ongoing issues, both for Arabian leopards and gazelles. This is mainly due to illegal trade in fur and skin, body parts, meat, horns and for traditional medicine. Saudi Arabia has been attempting to restrict hunting to specific game reserves only, but whether this approach will be successful in the long-term remains to be seen. The Kingdom is still relatively new to conservation biology, and as such, has to rely mainly on foreign biologists, external agencies and conservationists to frame these initiatives and share knowledge with domestic talent. More school and public awareness programs are needed as well, in order to change the public mentality towards wildlife, which is still largely seen as a livestock threat or something to hunt. Another major issue is determining how to balance conservation with development, especially as more giga-projects take off. 'You simply cannot pour concrete over ecosystems and expect things like leopards to thrive. It doesn't happen. These efforts are happening in real time alongside a broader societal transformation, and the success of Saudi conservation may hinge on how effectively these initiatives are integrated into their national identity,' Fokidis said. Long-term commitment needed for successful rewilding Although Saudi Arabia has already started rewilding and habitat restoration, these initiatives need to be maintained long-term in order to see significant results. This can not only help the Kingdom become a Middle Eastern leader in conservation, but also help long-term environmental resilience. 'Rewilding often occurs while the pressures that made those animals rare in the first place still exist, and depending on the long-term goal of achieving sustainable populations will only mean more rewilding elsewhere, possibly using your "saved" animals, so the work is ongoing,' Fokidis explained. This may need considerable funding, ecological monitoring and scientific oversight, along with decades of commitment and genetic diversity planning. As such, long-term political agendas, funding and public awareness campaigns all need to align for decades on end to sustain these rewilding and restoration programs. Several other Middle Eastern animal species, such as the Arabian oryx, sand cats, houbara bustards and Nubian ibex are still vulnerable to many of these habitat and ecosystem threats. As such, rewilding efforts may need to extend to these species as well in the future. Fokidis noted: 'Saudi Arabia is trying, to its credit, Whether it's enough for Arabian leopards, we will see. If nothing else, this all proves that even in the desert, the flower of hope can grow, as long as it comes with a wildlife veterinarian, GPS collars, drone surveillance, and a few billion riyals.'
New York Times
04-06-2025
- General
- New York Times
Leopards on the Potomac! Trump Is Delighted by Deal With Saudis for Rare Cats.
Of all the splashy announcements that marked President Trump's trip to the Middle East last month, there was one that delighted him in a way that was different from the rest. It had nothing to do with money or military might. It had to do with cats. Big, rare, glamorous, killer cats. Perhaps you missed it; there was a lot going on. When the White House put out its 'fact sheet' highlighting the various investments it claimed to have secured in Saudi Arabia, there was one line, buried way down low, that stood out: the 'creation of a dedicated exhibit in Washington' for 'the endangered Arabian leopard.' The Smithsonian had spent months trying to get its paws on a pair of Arabian leopards, and now the Saudis are agreeing to send two of them to live at the National Zoo as part of a conservation program. A proper habitat will need to be constructed, and the exact pair of leopards has yet to be chosen, but if all goes according to plan, the cats will make it to the capital city while Mr. Trump is still in office. Brandie Smith, the director of the Smithsonian's National Zoo, spoke briefly with Mr. Trump about all this and said that he was 'very interested in the leopards as a species.' Most of all, she said, he wanted to learn about the leopards' 'personality.' Ms. Smith traveled to Saudi Arabia last month for the announcement. She was there at the royal palace in Riyadh when Mr. Trump arrived on the first day of his trip. Foreign dignitaries, business titans and muckety-mucks of various other stripes had lined up to shake hands with Mr. Trump and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the de facto ruler of the kingdom. When the two leaders reached the end of this very long line, they met the zookeeper. She explained to them why she was there. 'As soon as I said leopards, I saw both of them, their attention popped,' she recalled in a recent interview from her office back at the National Zoo. She said that Mr. Trump had many questions about the leopards: 'Like: 'How big are they? What do they eat? How dangerous are they?' That kind of stuff.' Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
Asharq Al-Awsat
15-05-2025
- Science
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Saudi Arabia's RCU, Arabian Leopard Fund Partner with Smithsonian to Protect Arabian Leopard
The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) and the Arabian Leopard Fund announced a strategic partnership with the Smithsonian Institution's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute to support international efforts to protect the Arabian leopard, one of the world's most endangered big cats. The agreement includes the loan of a pair of Arabian leopards to Washington, D.C. as part of a scientific program designed to enhance conservation efforts, promote genetic diversity, and raise global awareness about this rare species. The initiative is part of the RCU's broader strategy to expand its international collaboration network in environmental conservation, with the Arabian Leopard Fund playing a pivotal role in coordinating global efforts and directing joint scientific endeavors. The partnership combines the Smithsonian Institution's extensive scientific expertise with the breeding program for the Arabian leopard overseen by the commission, significantly enhancing the chances of survival for this critically endangered species and establishing a population outside its native habitat. Additionally, the collaboration will drive advanced scientific research on the Arabian leopard and facilitate the creation of the first exhibit of its kind for these big cats in the United States. It will help share their story with a global audience and stimulate community support for conservation programs. The Arabian leopard (Panthera pardus nimr) is classified as critically endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature's Red List, reflecting the significant challenges it faces in its natural environment. The strategic project represents a practical and effective response to safeguard the future of this species, which is cherished in Saudi Arabia as an essential part of its natural heritage and environmental identity.
Arab News
15-05-2025
- Science
- Arab News
RCU, Arabian Leopard Fund partner with Smithsonian to protect Arabian leopard
ALULA: The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) and the Arabian Leopard Fund have partnered with the Smithsonian Institution to support international efforts to protect the Arabian leopard, the Saudi Press Agency reported Thursday. Under the agreement, RCU will lend of a pair of Arabian leopards to Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute as part of a scientific program designed to enhance conservation efforts, promote genetic diversity, and raise global awareness about this rare species. The Arabian leopard (Panthera pardus nimr) is considered one of the world's most endangered big cats, with approximately only 120 left in the wild, including about 20 that are confined mostly to the Kingdom's isolated southwestern mountains of Asir and the Hijaz. At the RCU wildlife conservation facility in AlUla, there were 27 Arabian leopards as of last year, a senior official of the commission was quoted by a special Arab News report as saying In partnering with Smithsonian, the RCU aims to bolster its Arabian leopard breeding program and significantly "enhance the chances of survival for the critically endangered species and establishing a population outside its native habitat." The collaboration is also hoped to drive advanced scientific research on the endangered animal and facilitate the creation of the first exhibit of its kind for these big cats in the United States and "stimulate community support for conservation programs."
Arab News
29-04-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Saudi Arabia steps into global spotlight at Arabian Travel Market
RIYADH: At the unveiling of its new Saudi Land pavilion during this year's Arabian Travel Market in Dubai, Saudi Arabia and AlUla in particular have turned heads. Held from April 28 to May 1 at the Dubai World Trade Center, AlUla's presence at ATM is highlighting its rapid transformation and new partnerships with industry leaders. The appearance follows the success of AlUla's first international marketing campaign under the theme 'Forever Revitalizing,' which began in early 2024. Aimed at reintroducing the world to AlUla's deep historical roots and natural beauty, the campaign ran across nine countries in six languages. Melanie de Souza, executive director of destination marketing at the Royal Commission for AlUla, said the city's global profile has grown significantly thanks to the campaign. 'Expanded airline connectivity, more hotels and a packed events calendar have all helped us keep up with growing interest,' she said in a statement. The campaign highlighted the city's ancient ruins, striking desert landscapes and growing cultural offerings through dramatic films, rich imagery and storytelling. The ancient oasis city-turned-cultural tourism hotspot welcomed more than 286,000 visitors in 2024, 72 percent of them domestic and 28 percent international. Online interest in AlUla surged, with website visits up 8.5 times and bookings climbing 220 percent, leading to a 240 percent jump in revenue. AlUla is also investing in the future. By the end of 2025, it plans to expand its accommodation capacity to more than 1,400 rooms, while committing to Vision 2030's sustainability goals. De Souza added: 'Our focus remains on developing a destination premised on sustainability and aligned with Saudi Vision 2030. At ATM, we will showcase why AlUla stands out as one of the most purposeful and forward-thinking destinations globally.' Visitors to AlUla's stand at ATM can experience a number of attractions. At the Arabian Leopard experience, guests can learn about local wildlife conservation efforts and vote to name a future leopard cub for a chance to win a two-night trip. Names are being transliterated into the ancient Dadanite script at the Echoes of AlUla attraction, while the Rawi storytelling section is a space to listen to traditional tales passed down through generations. The Saudi Tourism Authority is also showcasing the Kingdom's rich diversity at ATM, from coastal escapes to mountain retreats and world-class sporting events. Fahd Hamidaddin, CEO of the authority, said in a statement: 'We are thrilled to return to ATM, opening the doors to Saudi Land, and welcoming our valued partners from around the globe.'
