ARMENIA’S ELUSIVE LEOPARDS

 

On an early morning excursion our guide informed us that only about eight leopards still inhabit Armenia, but an accurate number is almost impossible to assess. Only one individual has been captured by camera in the last twenty years and the remote and rugged territory hinders further search expeditions.

What is certain is that the Anatolian leopard is among the most endangered of the big cats, centuries of hunting and habitat loss having extirpated them from much of their former habitat. Not surprisingly, Iran, which is the last stronghold of the nearly extinct Asiatic cheetah after reintroduction projects in India were stalled, remains the best hope for the leopard in the Caucus region. Armenia, however, has shown an admirable commitment to preserve its spotted cats for over fifty years.

Following the pathway set by Iran in 1969, Armenia and the Soviet Union granted their dwindling leopard populations full protection in 1972 and fines for killing leopards have increased since the start of the 21st century. Since 2001, the Armenian government has participated in a transnational effort in the region to monitor the habitat of leopards and established an anti-poaching unit. Leopards were at the forefront of the conservation plan designed by the Armenian Ministry of Environment in 2005.

Protecting predators is a challenge even in countries with a commendable record for conservation. In our own country we have brought the grey wolf back to healthy populations in much of its former range but not without continuing battles from ranchers. The difficulties are magnified in countries facing war and lacking funds to manage a recovery of species, an undertaking that often requires adequate conservation staff, working with local landowners and herders, land set aside for the reintroduction of not only the predators but also their prey and even legal battles in congress.

But there is something about iconic species which define national character that brings out the best effort in governments. Armenia, like many of her neighbors, seems determined to save its last remaining leopards. It’s a concern that is transcending international strifes bringing nations that have historically and recently been at war together in a common goal. Along with Armenia, Russia and Iran, Turkey, Azerbaijan and Afghanistan are just some of the nations that have enacted strict laws for the protection the Anatolian leopard.

As is often the case, nature with its beauty, its mystery and its allure is the greatest unifier of mankind.

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