Muscat: Represented by the Environment Authority (EA), the Sultanate of Oman marked the ‘International Day of the Arabian Leopard’, which falls on 10 February every year. The event seeks to raise public awareness about the importance of the Arabian Leopard, considered a ‘critically endangered creature’, according to the classification of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). It also aims to enhance efforts to protect biodiversity and wildlife.

According to Oman News Agency, Dr. Mohammed bin Mahad Al Maashani from the Environment Authority highlighted that the Arabian leopard project in the mountains of Dhofar Governorate has shown significant progress. This progress is evidenced by the recent births of leopards in the wild, which offer hope for the sustained presence of the Arabian leopard in the region and contribute to maintaining ecological balance.

Al Maashani elaborated on the status of the Arabian leopard, scientifically known as “Panthera pardus nimr”, noting it as one of the smallest and rarest leopard species. He pointed out that studies have shown challenges such as habitat loss, a decline in prey, and illegal trafficking threaten the species.

Oman remains one of the few places where the Arabian leopard survives, and the Environment Authority is diligently monitoring its presence in various sites within the Dhofar Mountains. The Authority is actively collecting data and analyzing environmental indicators to improve the living conditions of the Arabian leopard.