Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility

Arabian Leopard Programme

The Arabian Leopard, a symbol of pride for Saudi Arabia and the Arabian Peninsula, faces imminent threats, including habitat loss and human persecution. Emerging from Africa around 500,000 years ago, it is one of the most important mammals native to the Arabian Peninsula

Protecting a Symbol

The Arabian Leopard’s population has dwindled and the subspecies is classified as “Critically Endangered in the wild”. Recognising the urgency, the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) is committed to conservation efforts through the Arabian Leopard Programme. RCU’s approach includes habitat restoration and public awareness initiatives. By safeguarding the Arabian Leopard, RCU preserves AlUla’s natural and cultural heritage for future generations

 

Amidst expanding human settlements and dwindling prey populations, the leopard’s survival hangs in the balance. Human activities, including hunting and habitat encroachment, have pushed this majestic species to the brink of extinction. With no accurate count of remaining individuals, urgent action is essential to prevent their disappearance from the wild. Saudi Arabia and the wider region recognise the critical need for conservation efforts

Leopard triplets

Arabian Leopard Cubs

On 19 June 2024, the Royal Commission for AlUla’s Arabian Leopard Conservation Breeding Centre welcomed the extremely rare birth of triplet cubs – one female and two males. This is the first time three cubs have been born together in captivity in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The youngsters are a major boost to RCU’s ongoing efforts to safeguard the leopards' future

The cubs are believed to be only the third-ever litter of Arabian Leopard triplets born in captivity anywhere in the world in roughly the past 30 years. Staff at the centre are monitoring the cubs’ progress

Leopard triplets

Their father, Baher, is on a loan exchange from the Wild Mammal Breeding Centre in Oman. Baher is boosting the genetic diversity of the RCU facility’s breeding programme, which is vital to the long-term success of the Arabian Leopard programme and the eventual reintroduction of leopards back into the wild in AlUla

The world’s only active site for the conservation breeding of Arabian Leopards, RCU's Arabian Leopard Conservation Breeding Centre welcomed seven births in 2023 and five in 2024. There are now more than 30 leopards in the facility – more than double the original 14 when RCU took over the centre in 2020

Safeguarding Critically Endangered Species

Recognising the significance of the Arabian leopard as a symbol of the region’s biodiversity, RCU has made a steadfast commitment to safeguarding its future. This dedication extends beyond the preservation of individual species to encompass the restoration of AlUla’s entire natural landscape. Through innovative approaches and collaborative efforts, RCU strives to create a harmonious ecosystem where wildlife can thrive alongside human communities

Native Prey Release

Habitat Regeneration

Wildlife Reintroduction

Breeding Centre Support

Comprehensive Conservation

International Arabian Leopard Day

Celebrated annually on 10 February, International Arabian Leopard Day shines a spotlight on the Arabian Leopard’s plight. Recognised as Critically Endangered in the wild by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), there’s still hope for this majestic Big Cat. Originating in 2022 through RCU, Arabian Leopard Day gained global recognition in June 2023 when the UN General Assembly officially designated 10 February as International Day of the Arabian Leopard

This historic moment underscores RCU’s mission and the collective commitment to preserve our natural heritage. In 2025, RCU and its partners will support International Arabian Leopard Day through a global campaign themed "Leaps of Hope", reflecting the optimism brought by the new births of Arabian Leopard cubs. The campaign will include key activations such as the Arabian Leopard Day Walk, an educational advocacy program for schools, and a football tournament aimed at engaging the community, raising awareness, and fostering support for conservation efforts

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions about the Arabian Leopard Programme

The Arabian leopard is classified as “Critically Endangered” by IUCN

There are two key Arabian Leopard conservation programmes in the region, one in Sharjah in the UAE (Breeding Centre for Endangered Arabian Wildlife) and the other in Saudi Arabia (Arabian Leopard Conservation Breeding Centre), now under RCU’s management

The Arabian Leopard Conservation Breeding Centre in KSA is the only active conservation breeding centre for Arabian Leopards in the region

In addition, RCU also funded the launch of the Arabian Leopard Fund, which now operates as a separate entity focused on the regional conservation of the Arabian Leopard

Didn't find an answer? Please get in touch with us, and we'll be happy to assist you

Contact Us

In Collaboration with International Experts

/cdn-cgi/image/width=1200,quality=80/
sustainability icon

IUCN

For over 70 years, IUCN has provided organisations with knowledge and resources needed to address environmental challenges and achieve sustainable development. Partner with us and become part of our legacy as we develop a sustainable economy, and future, for AlUla.

/cdn-cgi/image/width=1200,quality=80/
sustainability icon

Panthera

Utilising the expertise of the world’s premier cat biologists, Panthera develops and implements global strategies for the most imperilled large cats.

/cdn-cgi/image/width=1200,quality=80/
sustainability icon

Catmosphere

With its CatWalk Campaign, a 7-km walk in support of the seven big cats, Catmosphere is dedicated to raising awareness for big cat conservation globally.