Manama: The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) and the Arabian Leopard Fund announced a strategic partnership with the Smithsonian Institution's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute to support international efforts to protect the Arabian leopard, one of the world's most endangered big cats.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the agreement includes loaning a pair of Arabian leopards to Washington, D.C., as part of a scientific programme designed to enhance conservation efforts, promote genetic diversity, and raise global awareness about this rare species.
The initiative is part of the RCU's broader strategy to expand its international collaboration network in environmental conservation. The Arabian Leopard Fund plays a pivotal role in coordinating global efforts and directing joint scientific endeavours.
The partnership combines the Smithsonian Institution's extensive scientific expertise with the breeding programme for the Arabian leopard overseen by the commission, significantly enhancing the chances of survival for this critically endangered species and establishing a population outside its native habitat.
Additionally, the collaboration will drive advanced scientific research on the Arabian leopard and facilitate the creation of the first exhibit of its kind for these big cats in the United States. It will help share their story with a global audience and stimulate community support for conservation programmes.
The Arabian leopard (Panthera pardus nimr) is classified as critically endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature's Red List, reflecting the significant challenges it faces in its natural environment.