Khaberni - Saudi Arabia, represented by the Royal Commission for Al-Ula Governorate, celebrated the international day of the Arabian Leopard, under the slogan "Journey of Hope", held annually on February 10th, affirming its continuous commitment to protecting biodiversity and conserving wildlife, and supporting national and global efforts aimed at preserving the Arabian Leopard, one of the species most critically endangered in the world.
This celebration is an extension of the initiative launched by the Royal Commission for Al-Ula Governorate in 2022, in partnership with the Arabian Leopard Fund and Catmosphere Foundation, before the day gained global recognition in June 2023.
The Royal Commission for Al-Ula Governorate stated to "Alarabiya.net" that the adoption of February 10 as the official day for the Arabian Leopard by the United Nations General Assembly in June 2023, enhances the space for celebrating this type of leopards and is considered an annual milestone to support environmental protection and enhance global awareness of the importance of preserving endangered species.
The Commission continued: "This role comes within the framework of launching our 'Journey of Hope' campaign, aimed at enhancing efforts to conserve the Arabian Leopard and raising awareness about conservation efforts", confirming that the campaign represents a platform for cooperation with various concerned entities and supporting United Nations initiatives in protecting endangered species. The key messages of the campaign focus on enhancing environmental awareness, sustainable development, and highlighting the vital role of the Arabian Leopard in the natural balance and cultural identity of the region.
The Al-Ula Governorate has a deep historical relationship with the Arabian Leopard, spanning thousands of years, documented by rock inscriptions scattered across its mountains and valleys, reflecting the presence of this majestic creature within the natural environment and the cultural identity of the region, as one of the symbols of environmental balance in the Arabian Peninsula.
The Arabian Leopard is one of the species most critically endangered at the global level, classified by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as an endangered species, due to accumulated challenges including the expansion of urbanization and agriculture, overgrazing, poaching, and illegal wildlife trade.
In continuation of this historical relationship, Saudi Arabia leads comprehensive efforts to protect the Arabian Leopard and conserve its natural habitats, through scientific and field programs aimed at restoring ecological balance and ensuring the continuity of this rare species, with the Arabian Leopard Breeding and Conservation Center taking the lead, currently the only active site in the world specialized in breeding the Arabian Leopard to ensure its preservation.
Since the center began its mission in 2020, its programs have succeeded in doubling the number of leopards within an environment subject to the highest scientific standards, a reflection of the effectiveness of the approach followed in conservation and breeding. In 2024, the third documented birth of the Arabian Leopard in the past thirty years was announced, and the first under the care within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, after "Ward" and "Baher" gave birth to three cubs, two males and a female, in June of the same year.
The Wildlife Rehabilitation Project in Al-Ula stands as a beacon of hope for the return of the Arabian Leopard to its natural habitats, and the flourishing of the environment throughout the region, where its results contribute to restoring vegetation cover, supporting natural prey, and preparing an integrated ecological system enabling wildlife to coexist sustainably with humans.
