Hana Saif Al Suwaidi, Chairperson of Sharjah’s Environment and Protected Areas Authority (EPAA), announced the successful birth of a new Arabian leopard at the EPAA’s Breeding Centre for Endangered Arabian Wildlife.
This marks a significant achievement for the research center, which specializes in the breeding, reintroduction, and habitat restoration of endangered species. The center plays a pivotal role in the conservation of the Arabian leopard by offering a safe environment, veterinary care, and advancing knowledge of its biology.
These efforts are essential in preserving desert ecosystems and overall biodiversity.
Al Suwaidi also highlighted the EPAA’s successful organization of a major conservation conference in October 2024. The event, held in partnership with the IUCN SSC Cat Specialist Group, brought together experts from the UAE, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, and international organizations such as the Arabian Leopard Fund.
During the conference, participants fine-tuned a comprehensive Arabian leopard conservation strategy that extends through 2030. The plan focuses on protecting the species and its habitats, stressing the importance of combining in-situ and ex-situ conservation efforts, including a strong breeding program to support reintroduction initiatives and habitat restoration.
(Inputs from WAM)
