Arabian Leopard Returns: AlUla Launches Conservation Centre
- Publish date: Tuesday، 11 February 2025 Reading time: two min read | Last update: Saturday، 12 April 2025
Saudi Arabia takes a major step in rewilding efforts to protect the critically endangered Arabian leopard.
- Related articles
- Your Guide to AlUla Arabian Leopard Week 2023
- Check out These Amazing Deals for Saudi Founding Day
- Prince William Wraps Up His First Saudi Arabia Trip in AlUla
For the first time in decades, the Arabian leopard is making a comeback to AlUla with the launch of the Arabian Leopard Rewilding Centre in Sharaan National Park.
فيديو ذات صلة
This browser does not support the video element.
This state-of-the-art facility will play a key role in restoring the region’s ecosystem and ensuring the survival of one of the world’s rarest big cats.
Currently, Saudi Arabia’s 30 Arabian leopards are housed at the Royal Commission for AlUla’s (RCU) breeding centre in Taif. But with a recent litter of triplet cubs, the need for a dedicated centre in AlUla became essential.
A Mission to Save a Species
Phillip Jones, Chief Tourism Officer of RCU, emphasized the significance of the initiative: “Bringing the Arabian leopard back to AlUla has been a core mission and promise—one that we are proud to deliver with this new breeding centre.”
The centre will not only house the leopards but also focus on breeding key prey species to support a future reintroduction into the wild.
With fewer than 120 Arabian leopards remaining in the wild, this project is crucial. Dr. Stephen Browne, an expert on conservation, highlighted the historical connection between the species and AlUla: “Ancient rock inscriptions all around AlUla depict the leopard in its natural habitat. To see this flagship species return is a major achievement and a step towards our ultimate conservation goal.”
Restoring AlUla’s Ecosystem
This initiative is part of a larger effort to rehabilitate 65,000 hectares of land by 2030, bringing back native flora and fauna. The Arabian oryx has already been successfully reintroduced, and the leopard’s return represents a key milestone in restoring AlUla’s biodiversity.
Recognized by the UN General Assembly, February 10 is now International Arabian Leopard Day, shining a global spotlight on efforts to protect the species. With conservation and dedication, AlUla’s rewilding project is shaping a future where nature and humanity thrive side by side.
Join our FREE WhatsApp channel to dive into a world of real-time engagement!