The United Nations General Assembly’s Resolution 77/295 designated February 10 as the International Day of the Arabian Leopard, first observed at the UN Headquarters in 2024. This critically endangered species, native to the Arabian Peninsula, faces severe threats, including habitat loss due to urbanization, poaching, and illegal wildlife trade.
Saudi Arabia has taken a leading role in conservation efforts, with the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) spearheading the Arabian Leopard Program. This initiative includes breeding programs, habitat restoration, scientific research, and community engagement to ensure the species' survival. A significant milestone in these efforts is the establishment of a breeding center in Al-Taif, where the successful birth of leopard cubs has provided renewed hope for the species' future.
In addition to conservation programs, the Saudi government has launched awareness campaigns and educational initiatives to highlight the importance of biodiversity and wildlife protection. The International Day of the Arabian Leopard serves as a global platform to raise awareness and encourage collective action to safeguard endangered species, emphasizing the need for habitat protection and population restoration to ensure a sustainable future for the Arabian leopard.
