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Edmonds, J.-A.; Budd, K.J.; al Midfa, A.; Gross, C.
Status of the Arabian leopard in United Arab Emirates
2006 Cat News (Special Issue 1): 33-39
Experts estimate the wild population of Arabian leopard (_Panthera pardus nimr_) in the Northern Emirates and Musandam Peninsula to be as low as 5-10; however, the UAE does not have the area capacity to carry a population larger than 10-20 animals. In recent historic times, the caracal is thought to have become an apex predator in areas not used by the Arabian leopard. Its predominance in many wadis may therefore serve as an indicator for declined/extinct leopard populations. Very little is known about the primary and marginal habitats of the Arabian leopard in the UAE, assessment is based on scattered reports and knowledge of leopards from other regions. It is thought that the UAE provides a corridor for leopards moving between the Musandam Peninsula and the Al Hajar Mountains of Oman, although the leopard may be extinct from the Al Hajar Mountains. Accurate data regarding the distribution, ecology and behaviour of the Arabian leopard will enable suitable protected areas to be planned and proposed.
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