Arabian Leopard Returns to Nejd Plateau in Oman

The Arabian leopard (Panthera pardus nimr) has made return to the Nejd plateau in Dhofar, Oman. This news was brought into light in a study published on World Arabian Leopard Day, February 10, 2025. Once widespread, the Arabian leopard now occupies only two per cent of its former range. The species faces numerous threats, including habitat loss, prey scarcity, and illegal capture for the pet trade. The global wild population is estimated at 100-120 individuals, with the largest subpopulation in Dhofar.

Historical Context

The Arabian leopard was once prevalent across the Arabian Peninsula. In Dhofar, it was believed to have been locally hunted to extinction. Previous surveys conducted between 2004 and 2013 did not detect any leopards in the Nejd region. However, in 2011, scat analysis confirmed the presence of an Arabian leopard.

Recent Discoveries

In 2014, camera traps captured images of leopards in central Nejd, prompting further research. Between 2014 and 2021, researchers recorded 18 independent sightings of at least eight individual leopards, including a cub. This evidence confirms that the Arabian leopard is not only present but also breeding in the region.

Geographical and Environmental Factors

The Nejd plateau features rolling plateaus, low cliffs, and river valleys. It receives less than 100 mm of rainfall annually, resulting in sparse vegetation mainly consisting of thorn trees. The harsh environment poses challenges for the survival of the Arabian leopard.

Conservation Recommendations

The authors of the study advocate for the designation of central and western Nejd as a National Nature Reserve. This would protect critical habitats for the Arabian leopard and other species in the region. They recommend that camera-trap surveys should last at least 18 weeks to improve detection probabilities.

Significance of Findings

The findings of this study extend the known range of the Arabian leopard in Oman by 40 km northwards. This is a positive development for the critically endangered species. It marks the need for ongoing conservation efforts and habitat protection.

Research Contributors

The study was conducted by Hadi Al Hikmani and Khalid Al Hikmani, affiliated with the Office for Conservation of the Environment in Muscat and the Royal Commission for AlUla in Saudi Arabia. Their work is crucial in understanding and preserving the Arabian leopard’s population.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Examine the key factors contributing to the decline of the Arabian leopard in the Arabian Peninsula.
2. Discuss the significance of habitat conservation in the survival of endangered species, using the Arabian leopard as a case study.
3. What are the challenges faced by conservationists in protecting species like the Arabian leopard? Discuss with suitable examples.
4. Critically discuss the role of community engagement in wildlife conservation efforts, taking the Arabian leopard’s return to Nejd as a reference.

Answer Hints:

1. Examine the key factors contributing to the decline of the Arabian leopard in the Arabian Peninsula.

1. Habitat loss due to urbanization, agriculture, and infrastructure development has reduced the leopard’s range.
2. Persecution by humans, including hunting and retaliatory killings due to livestock predation, poses a direct threat to their survival.
3. Prey scarcity arises from overhunting and habitat degradation, leading to insufficient food sources for leopards.
4. Illegal capture for the pet trade further diminishes their population and disrupts natural behaviors.
5. Genetic depletion occurs due to the small population size, resulting in inbreeding and reduced resilience to diseases.

2. Discuss the significance of habitat conservation in the survival of endangered species, using the Arabian leopard as a case study.

1. Habitat conservation ensures the preservation of essential ecosystems that provide food and shelter for endangered species.
2. Protected areas, like proposed National Nature Reserves, can facilitate breeding and increase population numbers.
3. Conservation efforts can restore degraded habitats, enhancing the availability of prey and natural resources.
4. Habitat conservation improves biodiversity, which is crucial for ecological balance and resilience against environmental changes.
5. Engaging local communities in conservation can encourage stewardship and reduce human-wildlife conflicts, benefiting species like the Arabian leopard.

3. What are the challenges faced by conservationists in protecting species like the Arabian leopard? Discuss with suitable examples.

1. Limited funding and resources hinder extensive conservation programs and habitat restoration efforts.
2. Political and social instability in regions can impede conservation initiatives and law enforcement against poaching.
3. Human-wildlife conflict arises when leopards prey on livestock, leading to retaliatory killings by farmers.
4. Public awareness and education are often lacking, resulting in insufficient community support for conservation efforts.
5. Climate change poses long-term threats to habitats, affecting prey availability and the overall ecosystem dynamics.

4. Critically discuss the role of community engagement in wildlife conservation efforts, taking the Arabian leopard’s return to Nejd as a reference.

1. Community engagement encourages local ownership and responsibility for conservation, enhancing the likelihood of successful initiatives.
2. Involving communities can reduce human-wildlife conflicts by promoting coexistence strategies, such as compensation for livestock losses.
3. Education programs can raise awareness about the importance of the Arabian leopard and its ecological role, garnering public support.
4. Local communities can contribute to monitoring efforts, such as camera trapping, increasing data collection and engagement.
5. Successful conservation requires collaboration between government, NGOs, and local populations to create sustainable solutions.