Saudi Arabia marked the International Arabian Leopard Day on Feb.10 with a series of programs and initiatives aimed at highlighting the importance of conserving this endangered species.
The “Catwalk 2024” event, held in various cities and provinces, saw widespread participation from the community, with people walking seven kilometers to raise awareness about the need to protect big cats, especially the Arabian leopard.
Saudi officials and diplomats joined a march in Riyadh on Friday, while Saudis on social media shared photos, praising the beauty, strength, and rich history of the Arabian leopard.
Several global capitals celebrated Arabian Leopard Day by displaying its images on illuminated screens mounted on famous landmarks overlooking major squares.
Saudi Arabia has launched several initiatives and programs to bring back the Arabian leopard to its natural habitat and protect its existence.
The Kingdom has supported Panthera, an organization focused on preserving big cats, for 10 years.
Efforts include boosting the leopard population in the wild, enhancing vegetation in reserves like AlUla, and creating habitats to ensure the leopard’s conservation.
Saudi Arabia is working to save the Arabian leopard from extinction by restoring ecosystems, as part of Saudi Vision 2030 and the “Saudi Green Initiative.”
The Kingdom is also training locals in AlUla to protect nature reserves.
The Royal Commission For AlUla (RCU) marked the occasion with a new “Leap of Hope” campaign, aiming to enhance global awareness and encourage action for the conservation of critically endangered big cat species.
The Saudi Ministry of Culture held a digital storytelling competition about the Arabian leopard’s conservation, aimed at children, reinforcing its importance in the kingdom.
The Arabian leopard is one of the world’s most endangered animals, with fewer than 200 left due to habitat loss and hunting.
