Northward Expansion of the Critically Endangered Arabian Leopard

Arabian leopard Panthera pardus nimr, Jabal Qamar, Dhofar

This research focused on the Nejd region of Dhofar, where the Arabian leopard was believed to be extinct. However, a scat sample with DNA evidence from 2011 and camera-trap images from 2014 first confirmed the leopard's presence.

From 2014 to 2021, we used camera traps to document at least eight individual leopards in the area. This evidence shows that the species is not only present but also resident and breeding in the Nejd. This discovery extends the known range of the Arabian leopard in Oman by approximately 40 km to the north.

To improve the detection of leopards in the future, we recommend that camera-trap surveys in the Arabian Peninsula should last at least 18 weeks.

The paper concludes by advocating for the central and western areas of the Nejd to be designated as a National Nature Reserve. This would protect the critical habitat for the Arabian leopard and other species in the area, helping to ensure the long-term survival of this vulnerable population.

Read more: https://doi.org/10.1017/S0030605324001662