RCU announces birth of rare Arabian leopard triplets, marking conservation milestone
AlUla, Dec. 5 (BNA): The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) has announced the birth of three Arabian leopard cubs two males and one female at its Arabian Leopard Conservation Breeding Centre, marking a significant step in efforts to protect the critically endangered species.
Born this summer, the triplets represent the first litter of three cubs born in captivity in Saudi Arabia and only the third globally in the past 30 years. The cubs are being closely monitored by experts at the centre, with the males showing playful and energetic behaviour, while the female remains shy and close to her mother, Ward.
The cubs’ father, Baher, introduced to the centre in December 2023, is one of two Founders brought through a regional exchange programme to enhance genetic diversity. This initiative is crucial for the long-term viability of the breeding programme, according to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).
RCU highlighted the centre’s success as the world’s leading site for Arabian leopard conservation breeding, with a long-term goal to reintroduce the species into the wild. This aligns with efforts to restore six nature reserves in AlUla, part of the Saudi Green Initiative’s commitment to protect 30% of the Kingdom’s terrestrial and marine areas.
The triplets have received vaccinations and health checks and will remain with their mother for approximately 18 months. Their birth follows the recent arrival of twin cubs, contributing to a total of five cubs born this year. With seven births last year, the centre now houses 32 Arabian leopards, more than double the 14 it started with in 2020.
The Arabian leopard has been classified as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature since 1996, with fewer than 100 estimated to remain in the wild.
H.F, M.B
