Saudi Embassy in Albania celebrates International Arabian Leopard Day
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The Saudi Embassy in Albania commemorated the International Day of the Arabian Leopard with a series of events aimed at raising awareness about the endangered species. The celebration, held on Monday, began with a march from a lake in Tirana to the city’s zoo, followed by an official ceremony attended by dignitaries and environmental advocates.
Saudi Ambassador to Albania, Faisal Ghazi Hifzi, reaffirmed the Kingdom’s dedication to global environmental initiatives and its ongoing efforts to protect biodiversity. Riyadh has been actively supporting conservation programs to safeguard the Arabian leopard, classified as an endangered species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
Designated by the UN in 2023, February 10 serves as the official day to highlight the plight of the Arabian leopard, also known as 'Panthera pardus nimr'. This subspecies, one of the smallest among leopards, faces a critical decline in population due to habitat loss, reduced prey availability, conflicts with herders, and illegal wildlife trade. Currently, only around 200 Arabian leopards remain in Oman, Yemen and Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia has taken significant strides in conservation through breeding programs at AlUla’s nature reserves. Since 2021, these efforts have led to the preservation and breeding of 14 Arabian leopards, with the population doubling to 32 by 2024. The Kingdom’s commitment to reviving the species aligns with broader sustainability and environmental goals, ensuring the Arabian leopard’s survival for future generations.