The
Arabian Leopard Initiatives (ALI) is a collection of projects designed to bring the region’s iconic Arabian leopard back from the brink of extinction. In preparation for the reintroduction of the Arabian leopard to the Sharaan Nature Reserve, the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) has commenced an environmental revitalization project to allow the Reserve to sustain healthy populations of the subspecies. Additionally, community engagement initiatives will be implemented to educate the public on the Arabian leopard and how behavior, including land use, can help the wild cat survive and prosper in the region.
Under a newly formed partnership announced in June 2019, Panthera will act as a partner to RCU as it develops and operates its Arabian Leopard Initiatives. HH Prince Badr bin Abdullah Al-Saud, RCU Governor and Minister of Culture, is the newest member of
Panthera’s Global Alliance for Wild Cats, along with members from India, China, the United Arab Emirates and the United States. RCU’s collaboration with globally acclaimed conservation groups will ensure the implementation of best practices, as well as allowing RCU to benefit from the scientific knowledge and expertise of similarly minded organizations and experts.