MENA Newswire News Desk: The Environment and Protected Areas Authority (EPAA) in Sharjah has confirmed the final preparations for the “Arabian Leopard Conservation Strategy” Conference, scheduled to begin on October 21. The three-day event, hosted at the Sharjah Safari, will run through October 23 and is organized in collaboration with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Species Survival Commission’s Cat Specialist Group.
The conference seeks to advance international and regional efforts to protect the critically endangered Arabian Leopard, one of the most threatened species in the Arabian Peninsula. he conference will bring together leading conservationists, researchers, and policymakers from countries within the Arabian Leopard’s natural range, including Oman, Yemen, and Saudi Arabia. Experts from around the world will also be in attendance, providing insights into ongoing conservation strategies and scientific research aimed at addressing the main threats to the species’ survival.
The event is designed to foster knowledge exchange on best practices for conserving the Arabian Leopard, as well as identifying new strategies to ensure its long-term survival in the wild. Key sessions throughout the conference will focus on several crucial topics, such as the impact of habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict, and the leopard’s declining prey base. Participants will also explore collaborative efforts between regional governments, NGOs, and local communities to strengthen conservation efforts across the Arabian Leopard’s range.
Representatives from the natural range countries, including Oman and Saudi Arabia, will share their respective countries’ experiences and challenges in safeguarding the species. The Arabian Leopard is classified as “critically endangered” by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, with an estimated population of fewer than 200 individuals remaining in the wild. Conservationists have stressed the urgency of developing a regional conservation strategy that includes habitat protection, population monitoring, and anti-poaching initiatives.
The conference will also examine successful captive breeding programs and reintroduction efforts that aim to bolster the wild population. This event comes at a critical time, as efforts to save the Arabian Leopard face numerous challenges, including illegal hunting, shrinking habitats due to urban expansion, and the need for greater public awareness of the species’ plight. The EPAA and IUCN will highlight the ongoing projects aimed at tackling these issues, while also calling for more international cooperation to secure the future of the species.
With support from Sharjah’s leadership and under the guidance of Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah, the emirate has been a regional leader in wildlife conservation, particularly through initiatives like the Sharjah Safari and the establishment of protected areas. The Arabian Leopard Conservation Strategy Conference is expected to build on this legacy, emphasizing the need for continued commitment to preserving biodiversity.
As the conference approaches, the international conservation community will focus on formulating a comprehensive action plan, combining research, community engagement, and policy development, to ensure the Arabian Leopard’s survival for generations to come. For further details, visit the Environment and Protected Areas Authority and the IUCN Cat Specialist Group websites.