The Arabian leopard is the smallest of its kind, and it is vanishing fast.

Countries & Cities · Published 10 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: As one of the world's rarest big cats, the Arabian leopard is critically endangered, with no more than 120 individuals believed to remain in the wild. Once widespread across the Arabian Peninsula, this elusive predator now survives in only a small fraction of its historic, rugged mountain range.

The Arabian leopard is the smallest of the eight recognized leopard subspecies. Historically, these cats occupied vast stretches of mountainous terrain across the Arabian Peninsula, but their range has contracted significantly. In Saudi Arabia alone, habitat loss is estimated at 90 percent since the early 19th century. Today, the species is severely fragmented, with remaining populations struggling against direct persecution and the depletion of their natural prey, such as the Nubian ibex and Arabian gazelle.

Conservation efforts are now intensifying to prevent the extinction of this icon. The Royal Commission for AlUla leads a global recovery strategy, focusing on habitat restoration, genetic resilience, and rewilding. This work is supported by international partnerships, including a collaboration with the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute. By combining decades of scientific expertise with advanced reproductive research, these organizations aim to manage the species' long-term survival and bring them back from the edge.

Public engagement is a critical component of this recovery. In 2029, the Smithsonian’s National Zoo will open a new exhibit designed to immerse visitors in the world of the Arabian leopard. The habitat, which draws inspiration from the rocky cliffs and traditional architecture of the Arabian Peninsula, will house a breeding pair. Through live webcams and interactive displays, the project aims to connect a global audience to the science of conservation, highlighting the daily lives of these cats and the rigorous efforts required to protect them.

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