Saudi Gazette report

ALULA —The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) celebrated the World Arabian Leopard Day, which falls on February 10 each year.

The RCU organized community initiatives including the “Arabian Leopard Day March” to raise awareness and unify efforts in support of this critically endangered species.

Marking the launch of the School Football League, the Commission hosted a friendly match, which saw AlUla school students compete in a spirit of sportsmanship and atmosphere enhancing their environmental awareness.

The Arabian Leopard Fund has activated a school educational workshop entitled “The Story of the Arabian Leopard”, to educate children and youth about the role of the Arabian leopard in the ecosystem, and its connection to the rich cultural and natural heritage of the Arab world.

The Commission also launched the “Leaps of Hope” campaign, which comes as a continuation of the birth of the “Hope” cubs (Arabian leopard cubs) and the subsequent successful births at the breeding center. The campaign aims to raise awareness and global participation efforts to protect the Arabian leopard.

The RCU signed a partnership with the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) in several areas, including the exchange of knowledge and expertise, developing RCU’s strategy and long-term conservation plans.

It also continues to enhance its leadership in the field of conservation. Its “Arabian Leopard Breeding and Conservation Center” has obtained membership in the European Association of Zoos and Aquariums (EAZA), making it the first facility of its kind to achieve this accomplishment in Saudi Arabia, reflecting RCU ’s commitment to achieving the goals of “Vision 2030,” which has paid great attention to the environment in all its components.

The Royal Commission for AlUla oversees five nature reserves, the total area of which exceeds half of the governorate, in addition to a nature reserve in Khaybar Governorate.

The efforts to restore the Arabian leopard, the largest predator in the Arabian Peninsula, are part of broader efforts to restore ecosystems, which have included several afforestation initiatives and the release of several animals, such as the Arabian oryx, the Nubian ibex, and others, into nature reserves, in line with the goals of the Saudi Green Initiative.