The critically endangered Arabian leopard can be found in Oman and Yemen. It is the smalled leopard subspecies that was once roamed throughout the Arabian peninsula.
Scientific name: Panthera pardus nimr
Conservation status: Critically Endangered
The Arabian leopard is the smallest of all the leopard subspecies. As of 2023, it is believe that only 100 – 120 Arabian leopards still live in the wild.
The leopard’s coat can be light yellow to golden brown, and is covered in black rose-looking markings (rosettes). Males can be up to 80 inches in length, including a tail that can be almost 3 feet long. They typically weigh between 60 and 70 lbs.
The Arabian leopard has lost over 90% of its habitat. It used to be found in Saudi Arabia, but it is now believed to be extinct there. There are some small populations in Oman and Yemen. The leopard generally lives in mountainous areas. It is mostly active at night but can sometimes be seen during the day.
The leopard’s prey includes gazelle, hares, porcupines, hedgehogs, ibex, rodents, and insects, as well as livestock like sheep, goats, and donkeys.
The Arabian leopard is under severe threat of extinction. The loss and fragmentation of its habitat, the illegal wildlife trade, the depletion of its prey, and human conflict are all contributing to the declining population.
0 Comments