EPAA: International Arabian Leopard Day highlights global efforts

Sharjah 24: Today, on International Arabian Leopard Day, global attention is drawn to the plight of the Arabian Leopard (Panthera Pardus Nimr), which remains Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. As a flagship of the Arabian Peninsula’s unique biodiversity, the Arabian Leopard has faced severe threats from persecution, illegal trade, habitat loss, prey depletion, and population fragmentation. Wild populations are only known from Oman and Yemen.

A recent IUCN Green Status of Species assessment found the Arabian leopard to be Critically Depleted but with a High Potential for recovery with proper conservation actions. The challenges and opportunities have prompted a global response, including the United Nations' designation of 10 February as a day of awareness and action.

New Arabian leopard born at the breeding centre

Her Excellency Hana Saif Al Suwaidi, Chairperson of the Environment and Protected Areas Authority (EPAA) in Sharjah, announced that the EPAA’s Breeding Centre for Endangered Arabian Wildlife has successfully recorded the birth of a new Arabian leopard. This marks a significant milestone for the specialised research center, which focuses on breeding, reintroducing, and restoring habitats for endangered species. The center's efforts are crucial in supporting the conservation of the Arabian leopard by providing an ideal environment for its survival, offering veterinary care, and expanding knowledge on its biology. These initiatives also contribute to preserving desert ecosystems and biodiversity.

Comprehensive strategy until 2030 to enhance survival and recovery

Hana Saif Al Suwaidi highlighted that EPAA organized a major conservation conference in October 2024, in partnership with the IUCN SSC Cat Specialist Group. This event brought together experts from the UAE, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, and international organizations like the Arabian Leopard Fund. During the conference, stakeholders refined the comprehensive Arabian leopard conservation strategy, which will extend until 2030, focusing on safeguarding the species and its habitats. Experts emphasized the need for an integrated approach combining both in-situ and ex-situ conservation efforts, including a robust breeding program that supports reintroduction initiatives and habitat preparation.

Establishment of the Arabian leopard working group

One key outcome of the conference was the establishment of the Arabian Leopard Working Group. This permanent group will oversee the implementation of the conservation strategy, coordinate research on genetics and population monitoring, and maintain momentum for the Arabian leopard's recovery. Professor Jon Paul Rodríguez, Chair of the IUCN Species Survival Commission, emphasized that conserving this unique subspecies requires global cooperation. Saving the Arabian leopard will only be possible through an international, concerted effort as outlined in the strategy.

Call to action for global community

On International Arabian Leopard Day, the global community is called upon to unite in support of the Arabian Leopard Conservation Strategy and actively participate in preserving one of the Arabian Peninsula’s most endangered species.