News DeskAlUla, Saudi Arabia – The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) marked the first International Day of the Arabian Leopard with a multifaceted approach to conservation, blending real-world and virtual initiatives.
In a move to expand conservation efforts into the digital realm, RCU launched the ‘Quest for Hope’ gaming experience on platforms like Roblox and Decentraland. This initiative aims to raise awareness about the critically endangered Arabian Leopard while engaging global gamers in virtual conservation missions.
Alongside the virtual campaign, RCU organized a Community Catwalk event on Sharaan’s Catwalk Trail, encouraging public engagement with nature. This event highlighted the importance of conserving the Arabian Leopard’s natural habitat in northwest Arabia.
Dr. Stephen Browne, Wildlife & Natural Heritage Vice President at RCU, emphasized the significance of the International Day of the Arabian Leopard in drawing attention to conservation efforts. He stressed the ongoing need for global collaboration to ensure the survival of this majestic species in the wild.
Arabian Leopard Day was first introduced by RCU in 2022, and in June 2023, the United Nations designated February 10th as the official International Day of the Arabian Leopard, underscoring the urgency of conservation efforts.
The Arabian Leopard is classified as ‘Critically Endangered’ by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), heightening the importance of initiatives like RCU’s conservation breeding program. Recent successes, including the birth of seven healthy cubs in 2023, demonstrate progress towards ensuring the species’ survival.
RCU’s ‘Leap of Hope’ campaign not only aims to raise awareness but also underscores the need for continued action to protect and preserve the Arabian Leopard and its natural habitat.
