DAR ES SALAAM: SAUDI Arabia has intensified efforts to protect the endangered Arabian leopard, a species that holds deep ecological and cultural significance in the Arabian Peninsula.
With habitat loss and illegal hunting pushing the species toward extinction, the Kingdom has implemented a series of ambitious conservation initiatives as part of its Vision 2030 strategy.
One of the key initiatives is the National Center for Wildlife Development. The center dedicated for overseeing scientific research, reintroduction programs, and continuous monitoring of the Arabian leopard’s habitat.
Additionally, the Sharaan Nature Reserve Project in the AlUla region provides a protected environment to support the species’ reintroduction into the wild.
To further bolster conservation, Saudi Arabia has launched the Arabian Leopard Breeding Program at the Prince Saud Al-Faisal Wildlife Research Center, where efforts are underway to increase the population in captivity before gradually releasing the leopards into their natural habitat.
Alongside these initiatives, the Kingdom has enacted strict anti-poaching laws and conducted public awareness campaigns to educate communities on the importance of preserving the Arabian leopard.
In recognition of Saudi Arabia’s conservation leadership, the United Nations has declared February 10 as International Arabian Leopard Day.
This global observance underscores the urgency of protecting the critically endangered species and promotes international cooperation in wildlife conservation.
Saudi Arabia’s commitment to environmental sustainability and biodiversity preservation is a major step toward ensuring the survival of the Arabian leopard.
The establishment of an international day dedicated to the Arabian leopard enhances global awareness and encourages greater collaboration in safeguarding this rare species for future generations.
#ArabianLeopardDay
Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Tanzania
Yahya bin Ahmed Okeish
