Arabian Leopard hunts Rock Hyrax in rare Dhofar footage

SALALAH: The Arabian Leopard Project team at the General-Directorate of Environment in Dhofar Governorate has captured rare and exclusive footage of an Arabian leopard preying on a rock hyrax in the wild, using high-resolution camera traps.
This is the first documented evidence of such predation on this rare species, listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List. The footage underscores the success of Oman’s conservation strategies, which include establishing protected areas, raising environmental awareness, and implementing predation compensation measures.
The Arabian leopard has become a symbol of the success of long-term conservation efforts, reshaping public perception from seeing the leopard as a threat to viewing it as a national heritage and source of pride.
This monitoring effort forms part of decades of work to conserve the Arabian leopard, its habitat, and its prey in the Dhofar Mountains.
Dr Mohammed bin Muhad al Maashani, Project Director, said, “These images are living proof of the integrity of the food chain and the balance of the ecosystem in Dhofar Governorate. This achievement supports Oman’s environmental strategy and the national plan to protect threatened species at local, regional and international levels.”
He added that the Environment Agency continues to work with partners and local communities to enhance protection, reduce human interference and combat poaching in leopard habitats.
The documentation highlights the importance of preserving the Arabian leopard’s natural prey, including rock hyraxes, Arabian gazelles, Nubian ibexes and Arabian partridges, which are essential to the species’ survival. Oman today stands as the last safe haven for this critically endangered big cat. — ONA