Arabian Leopards

• 18 Feb 2025

Source: DTE 

A study published on World Arabian Leopard Day (10th February 2025) confirmed the presence of the Arabian leopard in Oman’s Nejd plateau, contrary to earlier beliefs of local extinction due to hunting and habitat loss. 

Arabian Leopard (Panthera pardus nimr): 

• Key Characteristics: It is among the smallest leopard subspecies, with males weighing 30-40 kg and females 25-35 kg.  
  • It has pale buff-colored fur with small, closely spaced rosettes. 
• Habitat & Population: Native to the Arabian Peninsula. Found in isolated pockets across Saudi Arabia, Oman, Yemen, and the UAE. 
  • The global wild population is estimated to be 100-120 individuals, with the largest group in southern Oman. 
• IUCN Status: Critically Endangered 
• Threats: 
  • Habitat loss due to urbanization, farming, and overgrazing. 
  • Poaching and illegal wildlife trade. 
  • Declining prey populations, leading to food scarcity. 

Nejd Plateau: 

• The Nejd Plateau in Dhofar, Oman, is a dry region with plateaus, wadis, and low cliffs.  
  • Wadis are low-lying valleys that are usually dry, except during the rainy season  

Leopard Population in India (2024): 

• Total: 13,874 (1.08% annual growth since 2018). 
• Highest population: Madhya Pradesh, followed by Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu. 
• Conservation Status: IUCN Red List (Vulnerable), CITES (Appendix-I) and Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act (Schedule-I).

Read More: Status of Leopards in India 2022