Arabian leopard

[BA0701]

(08-09-2024, 11:37 AM)TheHyenid76 Wrote: Information regarding the Arabian leopard (Panthera pardus nimr)


From 'Arabian leopard remains Critically Endangered' Authors: Hadi Al Hikmani & Andrew Spalton (the two greatest experts on Arabian leopards) LINK

Arabian leopards are critically endangered with about 100-120 individuals. Their numbers are decreasing and populations are fragmented (i.e the populations are scattered)

"The latest assessment shows a continuing decrease of the population compared to the 2008 assessment. The Arabian leopard remains Critically Endangered as the total population size is estimated at 100–120 individuals, with only 70–84 mature leopards. The population is highly fragmented (Fig. 1), and continuously declining, both in the area of occupancy and extent of occurrence, with no subpopulations having more than 50 mature individuals. Thus, the Arabian leopard, now listed under criterion C (small population size and decline C2a(i)), is close to being classified as Critically Endangered under criterion D (very small or restricted population)."

The Dhofar mountains of Oman are the main stronghold of the species in the region.

"The Dhofar mountains of southern Oman remain the last stronghold for the species in the wild outside the unclear situation in Yemen. More than two decades of conservation efforts have allowed safeguarding a small population of some 51 leopards. There is some evidence of range expansion since the 2008 assessment towards the semi-arid dry wadis of the Nejd region north of the Dhofar mountains. Although the Dhofar population seems to be stable, its small size is a significant risk factor. Conservation needs to include the continuous monitoring, active safeguarding of leopard habitat, and compensation programmes for livestock losses." 

*This image is copyright of its original author

Distribution and conservation of the Arabian Leopard Panthera pardus nimr in Saudi Arabia LINK

Abstract

Field surveys of populations and potential habitats of leopards in Saudi Arabia were conducted to assess the current distribution and status of the species. Related topics such as habitat characteristics of the current distribution, prey of the species, the human impact and conservation of the species were also investigated. Survey results from 153 sites showed that leopards had disappeared from their former range in the Median Mountains in northern Saudi Arabia. The species still survives in reasonable numbers in Hijaz and Sarawat Mountains. In spite of their rugged and arid locations, many sites were found to have shrubs, trees and waterholes. These sites provide habitat for the leopard's prey, such as hyrax, ibex and others. Results of this investigation reveal that there is a need for public awareness, involvement of local inhabitants, and establishment of protected areas to ensure the survival of the Arabian leopard.

The Saudi Government are pouring a lot of efforts in collaboration with Panthera to a captive breeding program to reintroduce leopards back to the wild.

A leopard killed in Yemen. Source. A camera trap image of a leopard in Oman. Source.

*This image is copyright of its original author

*This image is copyright of its original author

Here is a conversation I had with Dr. Andrew Spalton regarding the interactions between leopards and wolves in the Arabian peninsula.

Me: In your research about Arabian leopards, have you ever come across any instance of wolves and leopards interacting and which one is the dominant species across in the Arabian peninsula? Thank you and all the best

Dr Spalton: Our only record is from a camera trap and it showed two wolves leaving an area very quickly and then a single leopard arriving.

Me: Thank you for the information. Could this be interpreted as wolves being scared of leopards and avoiding them?

Dr Spalton: Yes. Correct

*This image is copyright of its original author

This information is consistent with leopard interactions with wolves in Iran. Wolves avoid leopards and there are confirmed instances of leopards killing them. The Persian Leopard Project writes:

"Wolves tend to avoid habitat sharing with leopards but they can both be observed in the Steppe area of the Golestan National Park."

*This image is copyright of its original author

Key information derived from this post:

• The Arabian leopard is a critically endangered animal
• In Yemen, they persist in small numbers but they are often hunted and killed for sport
• Oman is the main stronghold for Arabian leopards and that is where most of the conservation efforts have been put in
• In Saudi, the leopards may persist in very small numbers that are not viable
• The Saudi Government is doing great work to captive breed leopards and reintroduce them to the wild
• In the Arabian peninsula, leopard is the dominant predator and wolves avoid them
  

My friend, you have been educating us all, on some fascinating, beautiful, and obscure, creatures. Thank you! Reply