🌵 Hey there, adventure seekers! Ever thought deserts are just empty stretches of sand? Think again! Saudi Arabia's vast desert landscapes, including the iconic Rub'al Khali (aka the Empty Quarter), are not just about scorching sun and endless dunes.
Despite daytime temperatures soaring up to a sizzling 50°C and nights dropping to a cooler 25°C, this land is bursting with life. Hidden among the dunes and rocky terrains are some of the most remarkable creatures adapted to these harsh conditions. Today, we're shining a spotlight on one elusive big cat: the Arabian leopard 🐆.
The Arabian Leopard: The Desert's Ghost 🐾
Meet the Arabian leopard, the smallest of the leopard subspecies but the biggest cat prowling the Arabian Peninsula! First described in 1830, this majestic feline once roamed freely across the rugged mountains and hills. But sadly, things have changed.
By the late 1970s, their numbers began to dwindle. Fast forward to 2008, only an estimated 45 to 200 leopards remained across isolated spots in western Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Yemen. And now, in 2023, we're looking at just about 100 to 120 individuals, mostly hanging on in Oman and Yemen. In Saudi Arabia, they're believed to be possibly extinct. 😢
These elusive big cats are masters of their rugged habitats, embodying the wild spirit of the Arabian deserts. Their decline is a stark reminder of the fragility of wildlife and the urgent need for conservation efforts.
Stay tuned for more on Saudi Arabia's desert wonders! Have you heard about the mysterious sand cat? That's a story for another day! 😉
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
