The Arabian Leopard (Panthera pardus nimr) is the smallest of the big cat leopard family. Also known as the Judean desert leopard, it's one of the alpha predators in Eurasia in the Bronze Age.
The Eurasian Lion, another local predator, is found through the middle East and into Europe in ancient times. The Arabian leopard may be the inspiration for the fearsome unicorn hare of legend.
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It's thought the leopards developed as a subspecies due to the isolated conditions of the Arabian Peninsula. As the climate warms in the Neolithic Age, these big cats roam the coast lands of ancient Arabia.
They live in mountainous regions along the Red Sea as far north as the Mediterranean and the Sinai Peninsula. At the height of their range they expand into central Arabia.
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Until the late 1960s, the Arabian leopard was widespread in the mountains along coasts of the Red Sea and Arabian Sea. The Arabian Leopard is the national animal of Yemen.
The Arabian Peninsula has been settled by humans since the middle Paleolithic Age. Characterized by flake tools such as those of flint, and the widespread use of fire, the middle Paleolithic covers c. 250,000 to 30,000 years ago.
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Leopards are carnivores. Their prey includes Arabian gazelle, Nubian ibex, Cape hare, rock hyrax, porcupine, Ethiopian hedgehog, small rodents, birds, and insects.
In appearance the leopard is pale yellow, tawny to deep gold, or grey. Its fur has dark edged spots, or rosettes. Males are182–203 cm (72–80 in) in length, including 77–85 cm (30–33 in) long tails. Arabian leopard males weigh about 30 kg (66 lb).
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Female Arabian leopards measure about 160–192 cm (63–76 in) in length, including 67–79 cm (26–31 in) long tails. The ladies weigh around 20 kg (44 lb).
Arabian leopards are usually nocturnal but have been known to appear during the day. They prefer the heights of mountain ranges, far from humans; but as prey becomes scarce, they have to move into the valleys.
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The female goes into heat in March. After a gestation period of 13 weeks, the mother gives birth to 2 - 4 cubs in a burrow or cave.
The leopard cubs are born with closed eyes, which open about a week later. Babies venture out of the cave at about one month old. At three months they're weaned. The young will stay with mom for up to two years.
Leopard populations have dwindled due to habitat loss, diminished prey species and poaching. Because of prey scarcity some leopards attack livestock and are killed on sight by farmers.
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In Saudi Arabia, it's estimated leopard habitat has decreased by 90% since the beginning of the 19th century. Today the Arabian Leopard might be found in isolated coastal areas. It's listed as critically endanged.
The Israeli West Bank Barrier of 2000 CE further disrupts normal prey migration routes. Some leopards die by eating poisoned meat meant for Arabian wolves and striped hyenas.
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Both the Arabian wolf and caracal, a large feline, are direct competitors with the leopard for prey. There are about 200 wild leopards in Arabia today.
Still, signs are positive. Breeding programs with captive animals have been successful. Zoos participate in re-population efforts.
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Arabian lands are considering a monetary compensation to farmers who have lost livestock and domestic animals due to predation by leopards. With continued awareness the Arabian leopard is beginning to come back from the brink.
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