Saudi Arabia leads celebrations marking International Day for the Arabian Leopard

Saudi Arabia leads celebrations marking International Day for the Arabian Leopard

Saudi Gazette reportRIYADH — Saturday marks a historic milestone in wildlife conservation as the world observes the first United Nations-recognized International Day for the Arabian Leopard, casting a global spotlight on the critical efforts to save one of the most endangered big cat species from the brink of extinction.At the heart of these efforts is Saudi Arabia, a nation that has been instrumental in advocating for the conservation of the Arabian Leopard and spearheading initiatives that have now culminated in international recognition.The Arabian Leopard, known for its distinctive coat and elusive nature, has faced severe threats from habitat loss, poaching, and conflict with humans. With fewer than 200 individuals believed to be in the wild, the species is on the edge of disappearance. Recognizing the urgent need for action, Saudi Arabia has taken a pioneering role in the conservation of these majestic creatures through the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU), which has been at the forefront of efforts to protect and rehabilitate the Arabian Leopard population.The RCU's dedicated Arabian Leopard Program aims not only to ensure the survival of the species but also to reintroduce it into its natural habitat in the AlUla region. This comprehensive conservation strategy includes breeding