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Distribution and Status Leopards have been greatly reduced in
number across the region, but still occur in parts of the Atlas ranges,
the Ahaggar and Tassili N’Ajjer massifs in southern Algeria, the
western Red Sea Hills, Israel and Jordan, and the coastal mountain
ranges of the Arabian Peninsula, as well as in south-western (Taurus
Mountains) and far eastern Turkey. They have a wide but patchy range
in Iran.
Conservation Areas Ahaggar NP (Algeria); Aïr and Tenere NR (Niger);
Judean Desert NR, North Arava Valley NR (Israel); Jabal Samhan
NP (Oman); Al Fiqrah PA (Saudi Arabia); Ariz and Bafq PA, Kiamaki
WR, Lisar PA, Parvor PA, Khosh-Yeilagh WR, Tauran WR, Sarani PA,
Tandoureh NP, Oshtrakuh PA, Baman NP (Iran).
WILD CAT Felis silvestris
Identification The Wild Cat has a wide distribution across the region,
with three distinct groups of races recognized: the European (F. s.
silvestris), Asiatic (F. s. ornata) and African (F. s. lybica). The appearance
and form of the species is similar to that of the Domestic Cat, but
it is generally longer in the leg and larger. It hybridises readily with
domestic and feral cats, which can make identification confusing.
Reddish-brown to yellowish fur is often present on the belly and inner
surfaces of the hind legs. The overall body colour ranges from pale
sandy-brown to light or dark grey. Paler animals are usually found in
low rainfall areas. The coat length also varies according to prevailing
climatic conditions in different areas. The body is marked to a greater