Gazelle : The Palestinian Biological Bulletin (ISSN 0178 – 6288) . Number 118, October 2014, pp. 1-18. | Page 3

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The shepherd Jbeir Al-Mutrefi (65 years) poisoned the camel carcass after it was
found killed by a predator, in the belief that a wolf or stray dogs may have
attacked the camel. Unfortunately, the predator turned out to be an Arabian
leopard which has not been seen for decades (Arab News).
The SNWC officials are questioning the shepherd besides launching a search for
other leopards in the area.
“No one has the right to poison any animal, endangered or otherwise. People
should contact us or any other authority and we will take the necessary measures
to protect both sides,” said Ahmed Al-Bouq, general manager of the SNWC. “We
are now at the site and investigating the case. We have installed infrared cameras
to see if there are more endangered animals in this area,” he said.
In this case, the shepherd found one of his camels killed by an animal. “He
chopped the camel and poisoned parts of its body thinking the predators could
be stray dogs. But sadly, it was an Arabian Leopard and the shepherd himself
was surprised when he came to know of this,” said Al-Bouq.
“The shepherd had no right to poison any animal. We call such acts blind killing
because he was not targeting a certain species but the whole circle of life,” he
added (Arab News).
Ahmed Al-Bouq confirmed that five Arabian leopards were killed in the same
manner in Madinah, Taif, and southern provinces (Saudi Gazette).
According to Al-Bouq, the commission was working hard to save the Arabian
leopard from extinction through a three-pronged initiative. “One is the captive
breeding, working with around 10 leopards,” he said.
“The second measure involves research and study of wildlife by holding
workshops and researches to learn more about the Arabian leopard and looking
at ways and means to protect it. This also includes installing infra-red cameras
and night vision cameras to monitor them and their movements,” he added.
The third step is public awareness where the SNWC officials visit schools,
universities and other educational institutes to educate people and spread
awareness about this endangered animal (Arab News).
Al-Bouq stated the SNWC has launched a program to conserve these animals at a
cost of more than Saudi Riyal 7 million (Saudi Gazette).
The program has resulted in the birth of three cubs that are now almost 10
months old. In addition, more than 70 cameras were placed in areas where
Arabian leopards are believed to live.
He pointed out the center has been searching for the past 20 years for live
sightings of the leopards. Such sightings were made eight years ago on the
Yemeni borders and in other areas inside the Kingdom (Saudi Gazette).
The Arabian Leopard is found in Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Oman, and the UAE, and
in smaller numbers in Jordan and Palestine (Arab News).
Gazelle : The Palestinian Biological Bulletin – Number 118 – October 2014