Saudi Arabia, nestled on the Arabian Peninsula, is renowned for its vast desert landscapes, including the Rub'al Khali, one of the largest sand deserts in the world. The country's climate is predominantly dry and hot, with daytime temperatures soaring between 40 to 50 degrees Celsius and cooler nights dropping to around 20 to 25 degrees Celsius. Despite these harsh conditions, Saudi Arabia is home to a remarkable array of wildlife that has adapted to thrive in the arid environment.
The Arabian Leopard: The Elusive Big Cat
The Arabian leopard is the smallest subspecies of leopard, first described in 1830. Historically, it was widely distributed across the rugged hilly and montane terrains of the Arabian Peninsula. However, by the late 1970s, its numbers had significantly dwindled. In 2008, estimates suggested that there were between 45 and 200 Arabian leopards remaining across three isolated subpopulations in western Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Yemen. As of 2023, the population has further declined to an estimated 100 to 120 individuals, primarily in Oman and Yemen. Sadly, the Arabian leopard is now believed to be possibly extinct in Saudi Arabia.
Despite its small size, the Arabian leopard is the largest cat in the Arabian Peninsula. Conservation efforts are ongoing to protect this elusive big cat and its habitat, highlighting the importance of preserving Saudi Arabia's unique desert ecosystems.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
