The first-ever United Nations (UN)’s International Day of the Arabian Leopard was observed across the globe on 10th February 2024 to raise awareness about the critically endangered status of the Arabian Leopard (Panthera pardus nimr).
- The Day also highlights the conservation efforts and the challenges faced by the Arabian Leopard species.
The Arabian leopard is listed as Critically Endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List.
Flagship Species:
i.The UN envisions the Arabian leopard as a flagship species for conservation and sustainability in its native region.
ii.And also emphasises the critical role of biodiversity in maintaining the health and resilience of the planet’s ecosystems.
Significance:
i.The Day aims to stimulate public engagement in initiatives focused on restoring leopard populations and protecting endangered species for the benefit of the ecosystem.
ii.It also encourages individuals to learn and contribute to the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021–2030).
Background:
i.The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) first launched Arabian Leopard Day in 2022.
ii.On 12 June 2023, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted the resolution A/RES/77/295, proclaiming 10 February of every year as the International Day of the Arabian Leopard in support of RCU and its conservation partners.
Note: The UN resolution acknowledges the Arabian leopard’s vital importance to the Arabian ecosystem.
About Arabian Leopard:
i.This critically endangered subspecies resides exclusively on the Arabian Peninsula and stands as one of the rarest big cats globally.
ii.It is the Smallest among the leopard subspecies with an average weight of 30-40 kilograms (kg) for males; and 25-35 kg for females.
iii.It is found only in a few isolated pockets of habitat across Saudi Arabia, Oman, Yemen, and the UAE. Estimates suggest there may be fewer than 200 Arabian leopards left in the wild. It is legally protected across its range.
iv.Threats: Persecution by Humans (Hunting and Poisoning); Overgrazing by Domestic Livestock; Urbanization; and Farming.
2024 Inaugural Commemorations:
i.The 1st observance of International Day of the Arabian Leopard was observed on 12 February 2024 in New York, United States of America (USA).
- The events were co-organised by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Permanent Mission of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the UN.
‘Leap of Hope’ Campaign:
The RCU celebrated the 1st UN-designated International Day of the Arabian Leopard with the new ‘Leap of Hope’ Campaign.
- The campaign aims to strengthen global awareness and action to conserve critically endangered Big Cat species
About Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU):
Chairman– HRH Prince Mohammad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud
Acting CEO– Abeer Al Akel
Established in– July 2017
Headquarters– Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
