Emergency intervention to assess and conserve the

Monthly Performance Report - Sanid Organization for Relief and Development (Nature Conservation Sector)

Project Data

• Project Title: Protecting the Arabian Leopard in Yemen from Extinction
• Location: Yemen (focus on leopard habitats in mountainous regions)
• Duration: December 2025 – February 2026
• Implementing Organization: SAND Relief and Development Organization (SORD)
• Report Prepared by: Shaif Ezzeldin (Project Manager)

1. Overview of the Arabian Leopard’s Status in Yemen

The Arabian Leopard (Panthera pardus nimr) is Yemen’s national animal and a symbol of its natural heritage. It inhabits the rugged mountain ranges of Al Mahrah, Ad Dhale'a, Abyan, Shabwa, and the protected areas in Hajjah and Ibb.

Recently, a significant sighting was recorded in the "Kor Al-Awaliq" mountains in Shabwa after a 20-year absence. Despite its cultural importance, the leopard faces critical threats, primarily retaliatory killing by livestock owners and illegal poaching. Sanid Organization is working intensively to foster a "coexistence" model between the leopard and local communities through awareness and sustainable protection plans.

2. Implemented Activities (Dec 2025 – Feb 2026)

During this quarter, the Nature Conservation Sector at Sanid achieved the following:

• Community Awareness: Conducted 8 awareness sessions reaching 80 key stakeholders, including local authorities and community leaders, to emphasize the ecological importance of the leopard.
• Volunteer Empowerment: Trained 16 local activists on specialized skills for tracking, monitoring, and reporting violations against wildlife in the most vulnerable regions.
• Institutional Coordination: Held 3 strategic meetings with the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) and legal experts to activate national laws against the smuggling and killing of endangered species.
• Educational Outreach: Organized 6 field visits to schools and universities to educate the youth on biodiversity, positioning the Arabian Leopard as a national treasure that must be preserved.
• Field Research & Monitoring: Conducted site visits to leopard habitats to update population data and presented a study on the necessity of establishing dedicated "Wildlife Tracking Centers."
• Veterinary Care: Provided supervised feeding and medical check-ups for leopards currently held in zoos and rehabilitation centers to ensure their survival in captivity.

3. Challenges and Obstacles

• Economic Instability: The deteriorating economic situation in Yemen places immense pressure on natural resources and local livelihoods.
• Funding Gaps: A critical lack of financial support specifically dedicated to wildlife conservation and anti-poaching units.
• Logistical Barriers: Security and political challenges that limit access to remote mountainous habitats.
• Illegal Trade: Persistent poaching and the underground trade of rare species.

4. Conclusion

Protecting the Arabian Leopard is not just an environmental task; it is a mission to save a piece of Yemen’s identity. Sanid Organization remains committed to this cause and calls upon international partners and donors to support our efforts in securing a future for this majestic creature.

• Arabian_Leopard_Protection_Report_Yemen_March_2026.pdf (PDF)