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International Arabian Leopard Day: A Milestone In Safeguarding The Future Of This Endangered Subspecies


(MENAFN- EIN Presswire)

Arabian Leopard Cubs | AlUla

The International Arabian Leopard Day as a milestone in efforts to safeguard the future of this critically endangered big cat through conservation & awareness

RIYADH, ALULA, SAUDI ARABIA, February 12, 2025 /EINPresswire / -- ROYAL COMMISSION FOR ALULA MARKS INTERNATIONAL ARABIAN LEOPARD DAY AS A MAJOR MILESTONE IN CONSERVATION EFFORTS

RCU Strengthens Global Conservation Efforts Through Strategic Partnerships, Community Initiatives, and Awareness Campaigns

A new partnership with the Zoological Society of London will support AlUla 's conservation efforts, ensuring the protection of its unique habitats, flora, and fauna.

The 'Leaps of Hope' campaign, launched by RCU, celebrates a rare set of triplet cubs and raises global awareness about the plight of the critically endangered Arabian Leopard.

RCU's conservation breeding programme continues to play a key role in increasing the Arabian Leopard population, aligning with long-term efforts to reintroduce the species into the wild.

AlUla, Saudi Arabia, 10 February 2025 – The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) marks the 2025 edition of International Arabian Leopard Day, reinforcing its commitment to safeguarding one of the world's most endangered big cats.

Observed annually on 10 February, International Arabian Leopard Day highlights ongoing conservation initiatives and the efforts of RCU and its global network of partners, including the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), which has classified the Arabian Leopard as critically endangered.

'Leaps of Hope' – Inspiring Global Action
This year's celebration, held in collaboration with the Arabian Leopard Fund, builds on the continued progress of RCU's Arabian Leopard Conservation Breeding Centre, which recently welcomed a rare set of triplet cubs. The arrival of these cubs is a symbol of hope for the species, inspiring this year's "Leaps of Hope" campaign.

The campaign aims to increase global awareness of the Arabian Leopard's conservation journey, inviting the public to participate in naming the three cubs. Through an engaging online platform, audiences can learn about the cubs' unique characteristics and vote on their names, fostering a stronger connection between communities and wildlife conservation efforts.

Community Engagement and Awareness Initiatives
RCU also organized several community-driven initiatives to mark the occasion:

Arabian Leopard Day Walk – A public event designed to raise awareness and unite local communities in support of conservation efforts.
Inter-school Football Tournament – Kicking off in AlUla, this event promotes youth engagement in sports while fostering environmental awareness.
Educational Workshops – The "Arabian Leopard Story" workshop, launched by the Arabian Leopard Fund, teaches students across Saudi Arabia, Oman, and the UAE about the ecological significance of the Arabian Leopard and its role in regional heritage. Through interactive activities and storytelling, young minds are encouraged to take an active role in conservation.

Strengthening Conservation Through Global Partnerships
In line with its long-term commitment to wildlife protection, RCU announced a strategic partnership with the Zoological Society of London (ZSL). This collaboration was unveiled during a special event at London Zoo, attended by HRH Princess Reema bint Bandar Al Saud, founder of Catmosphere, alongside Philip Jones, RCU's Chief Tourism Officer, and senior representatives from ZSL.

This partnership will focus on:

Knowledge exchange and conservation strategy development
Monitoring and ensuring the long-term sustainability of reintroduced species
Advancing regenerative tourism principles that support wildlife protection
RCU's Commitment to Protecting the Arabian Leopard's Future
Beyond breeding programmes, RCU is leading multi-faceted conservation efforts that focus on habitat restoration, scientific research, and community engagement:

Habitat Restoration and Protection – RCU is actively restoring AlUla's natural ecosystems to provide a safe and thriving environment for the Arabian Leopard's future reintroduction.

Scientific Research – Ongoing studies are being conducted to better understand the leopard's behavior, ecology, and conservation needs, informing future strategies.

Community Involvement – RCU continues to engage local communities in conservation efforts, ensuring that protecting the Arabian Leopard becomes a shared responsibility.

A Growing Legacy in Conservation Leadership
RCU's dedication to Arabian Leopard conservation has gained global recognition. The Arabian Leopard Conservation Breeding Centre recently became the first Saudi institution to join the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA). This milestone solidifies RCU's role in advancing the Kingdom's wildlife protection goals under Saudi Vision 2030.

Through strategic initiatives, international collaboration, and community engagement, RCU remains committed to ensuring a future where the Arabian Leopard thrives once again in its natural habitat.

ENDS

Ayman Kawa
The Royal Commission for AlUla
email us here

#InternationalArabianLeopardDay 2025

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Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.

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