The Yemen Arabian leopard is a rare and endangered subspecies of leopard that lives in the mountainous regions of Yemen. It is the smallest leopard in the world, weighing only about 20 to 30 kg (44 to 66 lb) and measuring less than 2 m (6.6 ft) in length. It has a pale yellow to deep golden coat with black rosettes, and a long tail that helps it balance on rocky terrain.
The Yemen Arabian leopard is the national animal of Yemen, and a symbol of its wildlife and cultural identity. It was declared as such by the Cabinet decree No. (260) in 2009, in an effort to raise awareness and protect the species from extinction.
However, the Yemen Arabian leopard faces many threats to its survival, such as habitat loss, poaching, conflict, and prey depletion. The ongoing civil war in Yemen has worsened the situation, as leopards are killed by armed groups or local people. Some leopards are also captured and sold illegally as pets or trophies.
According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the Yemen Arabian leopard is critically endangered, with fewer than 200 individuals left in the wild. The population is severely fragmented and isolated, making it vulnerable to inbreeding and genetic drift. The IUCN is currently reassessing the status and distribution of the subspecies, as well as developing a regional conservation strategy.
There are some efforts to conserve the Yemen Arabian leopard, such as establishing protected areas, conducting surveys and monitoring, providing compensation for livestock losses, and educating local communities about the importance of the species. However, these efforts are hampered by the lack of funding, security, and cooperation among different stakeholders.
The Yemen Arabian leopard is a unique and precious part of Yemen's natural heritage, and deserves to be respected and protected. It is a living testament to the diversity and beauty of life on Earth, and a source of inspiration and pride for the Yemeni people.
سبحانك اللهم وبحمدك أشهد ان لا اله الا انت استغفرك وأتوب اليك