The Caucasian or Persian Leopard (Pantera pardus tulliana) dwells in Armenia in the three southern provinces of the republic: Ararat, Vayots Dzor and Syunik. In the past, according to literary data, it was also observed in the north of the country. This leopard is a very versatile species, and in Armenia it inhabits areas from the subalpine meadows to the galleys (riparian thickets) of the Araks River valley. The best habitat for leopards are the juniper sparse forests with rocky outcrops, deep gorges, heavily dissected slopes and stone talus. The body length can reach 126-183 cm, the tail length 94-116 cm. The weight of adult males can sometimes reach up to 90 kg. Females usually weigh less than the males and their body length is shorter. Leopards are very flexible in their choice of inland areas, and the territory of the dominant, adult male can reach up to 15-30 thousand hectares. The habitat of an adult female with kittens can also reach a size of more than 10 thousand hectares. In the presence of many scrapes, so-called clusters, we can judge the state of the population and its viability.
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These goats get their name from bezoars – the indigestible mass found in their stomachs. The males have distinctive, enormous horns. Bezoar goats are listed as vulnerable in the Red Book of Armenia and are included on the IUCN Red List. According to the monitoring by WWF-Armenia, there are about 3000 Bezoar goats living in Armenia.
The Armenian mouflon is a type of wild sheep which can be found in the Armenian highlands. The preferred habitat of the mouflon is the dry steppe. They are listed in the Red Book of Armenia and in the IUCN Red List. According to the monitoring by WWF-Armenia there are about 300-400 mouflons in Armenia.
Indian porcupines are easily distinguished due to their unique appearance. They usually live in rocky grass areas or woodlands. They are listed in the Red Book of Armenia and in the IUCN Red List
Roe deer is a quick and elegant animal usually found in forests and woodlands. Only the males have the majestic horns. The roe deer can also be found in Europe and Asia.
The wild boar is the ancestor of the domesticated pig. It weighs around 100-150kg and the length of the body is approximately 170cm. The boar is omnivorous and mainly lives in mixed broadleaf forests. They are social animals led by a matriarch.
The badger can be distinguished by its black and white striped head, grey fur and short legs. They live in excavated tunnels and burrows called setts. The animal is widespread in Armenia. During field studies badger remains were found in leopard scats.
Our Leopard Caretaker Network consists of enthusiastic volunteers from local communities. Since 2016, WWF-Armenia has established a network of leopard caretakers, which is an innovative approach to nature conservation and is aimed to promote community involvement in the monitoring and conservation of the Caucasian leopard and its prey species. Currently, we have groups of leopard caretakers operating in a number of communities in Vayots Dzor and Syunik provinces. Caretaker groups make regular visits to adjacent areas of the community and perform field research and observations, installing cameras and carrying out other activities.
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WWF-Armenia, Ayb School and Gnishik Protected Landscape are launching the “Junior Ranger Program” initiative, which is being implemented in Armenia for the first time. The goal of the initiative is to promote ecological education in protected areas and involve schoolchildren in environmental activities. The duration of the pilot project will be 6 months.
The “Junior Ranger Program” was established in 2002 by the European Conservation Area Federation (EUROPARC). It currently unites more than 5,000 teenagers from almost all over the Europe, as well as 80 protected areas in 19 EU countries.
Within the framework of the project, schoolchildren from Ayb School will contribute to the ecotourism development, conservation strengthening, wildlife monitoring, environmental awareness raising and education. During some stages of the project schoolchildren from Areni and Khachik communities of the Gnishik Protected Landscape will join the initiative which will strengthen the cooperation between the communities. An informational training and field visit to the Gnishik Protected Landscape have already been organised at the start of the project, during which the participants have got acquainted with the achievements, infrastructures and existing environmental issues of the protected area. Participants will be divided into the groups to initiate and implement various environmental activities together with WWF-Armenia, Ayb School and Gnishik Protected Landscape professionals.
In case of success of the “Junior Ranger Pilot Program” in Armenia, this eco-education model can also be introduced in other specially protected nature areas as an environmental education tool, which is particularly important for attracting teenagers from adjacent communities to nature conservation.
Within the Leopard Conservation Project, WWF-Armenia initiated a discussion on the introduction of the 24-hour pilot protection system in the “Arevik” National Park with participation of the Ministry of Nature Protection, Zangezur Biosphere Complex, Caucasus Nature Fund and Support Program for Protected Areas representatives.
During the meeting, it has been discussed the introduction of protection system, which will carry out 24-hour patrolling on the territory of the national park or throughout the whole Zangezur Biosphere Complex through day and night time visits. It is anticipated that each patrolling group will cover 7000-10000 hectares according to the defined routes. The routes will be designed by specialists based on geographical location of the area, the passage of roads, and the poaching frequency.
The representative of the Support Program for Protected Areas (SPPA), who participated in the discussion, said that within the SPPA project they are ready to provide the necessary equipment for the groups. The Caucasus Nature Fund can provide with the required fuel, as well as bonuses to the staff for the successful implementation of the project.
At the end of the meeting, in the framework of the WWF-Armenia’s Leopard conservation project, as a the first step the field equipment were given to the “Zangezur” Biosphere Complex SNCO, which manages the “Arevik” National Park, including binoculars, GPS, photo camera, sleeping bags, tents and so on.
From now on, employees of Arevik National Park, which is part of the Zangezur Biosphere Complex, will have an opportunity to control even the most remote areas of the national park with online video cameras. This will significantly contribute to the effective preservation of the national park and poaching level decrease.
This has become possible thanks to the installation of 4 online cameras which will be powered by solar energy for the first time. This is a pilot project and, in case of positive result, it will have its continuation and will be adopted in other protected areas of Armenia.
The initiative was implemented within the framework of WWF-Armenia’s Leopard Conservation project and HSBC Bank Armenia’s “Let’s protect Threatened Species in Armenia” project.
This year, it’s already second time that WWF-Armenia is placing solar panels in national parks. First was in Dilijan National Park and this time is in the Arevik National Park. The use of modern technology will increase the efficiency of work, and most importantly, will contribute to the process of developing Green Armenia.
WWF-Armenia continues its series of seminars and workshops in educational institutions as well as presentations for the students within Leopard conservation project.
On November 14th, staff of the WWF-Armenia made a presentation for schoolchildren in Yerevan basic school N145 after Silva Kaputikyan. The main topics of discussion were Caucasian Leopard and its prey species, their conservation activities, research and monitoring. The highlight of the meeting was presentation of unique video and photo materials of Armenian fauna.
On November 25th, Leopard Conservation Project’s coordinator Dr. Arsen Gasparyan made presentation at the Yerevan State University, Faculty of Journalism on conservation of threatened species and main nature conservation issues.
These series of presentations aim to raise awareness of schoolchildren and students on importance of biodiversity, our wildlife, climate change impacts and other ecological problems, also to motivate schoolchildren and students for biodiversity conservation.
On November 30th, the educational workshop for beginners in the statistical programming language R was realized at the WWF-Armenia within cooperation with Zoology Department of the Yerevan State University. This software becomes more and more popular in all the academic fields and scientific research. The staff members of the WWF, staff and students of the Zoology Department of the YSU participated in the workshop. The participants learned about the advantages of this open-access software and how to do first data analysis, manipulations and visualizations. The workshop was conducted by Judith Rakowski, who is a Master student of the Geography Department at the Humboldt-University of Berlin and is doing an internship at the WWF-Armenia office.
Seven road blocks and fifteen signboards have been installed by WWF-Armenia in the Arevik National Park with financial support of HSBC Bank Armenia and WWF-Armenia’s “Leopard Conservation Project”.
The initiative was implemented in the frames of “Let’s protect Threatened Species in Armenia” project, which aims to strengthen protected areas and ensure better protection and monitoring for target species such as Caucasian Leopard, Bezoar Goat, Armenian Mouflon in the Arevik National Park. This activity supports the protection of habitats for the species, facilitate prevention of poaching and raise public awareness on nature conservation.
The seven installed road blocks will prevent the access of poachers and other unauthorized vehicles to the National Park. Thereby, poaching and the level of disturbances will be reduced. The newly installed signboards provide information about the Arevik National Park, give necessary notice for wildfire prevention in the area, etc.
WWF-Armenia is very thankful to the staff of the “Arevik National Park” branch of the Zangezur Biosphere Complex for their support in installation of the signboards and roadblocks.
HSBC Bank Armenia is one of the best partner organizations of WWF-Armenia supporting the projects dedicated to the wildlife conservation.
On October 22, WWF-Armenia and HSBC Bank Armenia staff did volunteer work in the Caucasian Red Deer Breeding Center. In particular, the whole area of the Breeding center was cleaned, warning signs were placed, the fence was repaired, and the improvement works were carried out.
This initiative was implemented within the frames of “Let’s protect Armenia’s Endangered Species” project, which aims to strengthen protected areas and ensure better protection and monitoring for them.
During the event, Arsen Gasparyan and Arthur Alaverdyan, WWF-Armenia project coordinators, presented Caucasian Leopard Conservation and Caucasian Red Deer Reintroduction programs in Armenia, as well as the main environmental concerns in the country and the measure to address them.
HSBC Bank Armenia is one of the best partner organizations of WWF-Armenia supporting the projects aimed at the protection of wildlife.
On November 1-2, 2017 40 schoolchildren from Yerevan, Vayots Dzor and Syunik regions participated in the eco-camp organised by WWF-Armenia and the United Nations Office in Armenia in Vayots Dzor. This camp was the final stage of the “Me and My Corner of Nature” environmental initiative, launched earlier in spring. The camp participants were the authors of the best works of «Me and My Corner of Nature” photo contest as well as a number of other schoolchildren from the above mentioned regions.
The representatives of the UN Armenia Office presented 17 Sustainable Development Goals through various games, videos and presentations. The Goals were adopted by world leaders at an historic UN Summit in September, 2015. 17 goals are aimed at eliminating poverty in all its forms, addressing a range of social needs and climate change issues.
Then representatives of WWF-Armenia presented Caucasian Leopard Conservation Project, as well as modern field survey techniques, during which participants had the opportunity to see one of the main methods of wildlife observation – photo and camera traps. They learned the principles of their installation and operation. The participants could also see the Bezoar goats in wildlife. The camp was filled with interactive games, competitions, songs and dances.
The Environmental protection and Mining Inspection body of Armenia and the WWF – Armenia signed a memorandum of understanding on 19th of October.
Within the framework of this Memorandum, WWF-Armenia undertakes to assist the inspection body by providing the necessary equipment and fuel, to organize trainings and exercises that will increase the capacities and skills of the staff of Vayots Dzor and Syunik province branches of the Inspectorate; as well as to assist in the activities of the Inspectorate for the protection of the Caucasian leopard, Bezoar goat, Armenian mouflon and other endangered species. The Environmental protection and Mining Inspection body of Armenia in its turn undertakes to conduct tours on regularly basis to the habitats of the above listed species and to provide WWF-Armenia with information on violations recorded during the tour.
On July 10, 2017, the results of the contest “Take a picture with the Leopard”, implemented in the framework of the Environmental Information Campaign, were summed up. The contest was organized by WWF-Armenia. The winners were selected by the jury.
More than hundred photographs, which contained important and interesting information on the Caucasian Leopard, have participated in the competition. According to the results of the competition, the winner became Lusine Stepanyan, who was awarded the main prize, a mountain bike. David Hayrapetyan and Manana Hovakimyan took second and third places. The jury also highlighted the most creative participant, Argishti Mkrtchyan, who decided to play chess with a virtual leopard.
The participants were able to get a three-dimensional animated picture of the leopard by scanning the marker with the picture of it through ARLOOPA app. The initiative was jointly implemented with ARLOOPA (X-Tech).
Company director Arman Atoyan mentions: “Over 10,000 scannings from around the world have been registered during the competition. The initiative also took part in the recent AR / VR exhibition in the United States, where a combination of nature protection and information technology has been of great interest. ”
Arsen Gasparyan, the coordinator of WWF-Armenia’s Caucasian Leopard Conservation Project, notes: “This initiative is one of the modern versions of eco-education. Today, information technologies are an inseparable part of our lives, and that fact can be best served for the conservation of nature.”
You can watch the award-giving ceremony video here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oYslKJmSgQg&t=57s
On July 28th, staff members of the WWF-Armenia visited Gugark summer camp. We made a presentation about the Caucasian Leopard, its prey species and habitat, showed footage and photos of Armenian wildlife. The participants also photographed with virtual leopard via ARLOOPA app.
On June 5, on the occasion of the World Environment Day, the photo exhibition “Me and My Corner of Nature” initiated by WWF Armenia and UN Armenia was opened in Lovers’ Park, Yerevan.
The exhibition includes photos sent by schoolchildren from different regions of Armenia within the educational campaign “Me and my corner of nature”. Children are depicted in the photos in their favorite corners of nature. Photos by WWF Armenia’s environmental specialist Alexander Malkhasyan depicting some endangered species that are included in the Red book of Armenia are also exhibited. On June 7-14, the photos will be exhibited in UN House Armenia.
The main purpose of the educational campaign “Me and my corner of nature” is to raise awareness among children about environmental goals of sustainable development as well as about a number of endangered species in Armenia among which are the Caucasian leopard, Bezoar goat and Armenian mouflon. The authors of the best three photos will receive symbolic gifts, and certificates will be granted to all participants. In the second phase of the campaign the selected participants are expected to present their proposals addressing an environmental issue in their respective communities.
The authors of the best proposals will participate in an environmental field camp in autumn.
Starting from May 16, WWF Armenia launches “Take a Photo with the Leopard” environmental information campaign. Within the campaign’s framework, it will be possible to enliven Caucasian leopard with ARLOOPA application and take a photo with him. The initiative is being supported by X-Tech IT Company, which joined WWF- Armenia’s “Leopard caretakers” network.
Special ground marker and banner will be placed in different educational and public places (Yerevan State University, YSU’s Ijevan Branch, UWC Dilijan College, Yerevan Lovers Park, Dalma Garden Mall, Green Been, DoubleTree By Hilton Yerevan City Center hotel, Yerevan Botanical Garden, Tumo Park), which will allow people to get leopard’s animated three-dimensional image by their smart devices (using ARLOOPA app). The app also allows you to take photos with the leopard, hear its voice, etc.
As a part of the campaign, online photo contest is announced till June 16, 2017. People should place a photo with the animated leopard on their Facebook page, along with an interesting fact about the leopard. The posts should have #WWFArmenia and #LeoAlive hashtags. The juries will choose a winner of the best photo and the most interesting fact. The winner will get a grand prize – mountain bike.
WWF Armenia’s “Leopard Conservation” Project’s Coordinator Arsen Gasparyan says: “The use of modern technology will increase the efficiency of the campaign helping to create a unique connection between man and nature.”
From May 5 to May 6, 2017 the Eco-Camp was organized for students of the UWC Dilijan School in the Gnishik Protected Landscape. The aim of the event was to conduct environmental seminar and to organize a field visit to raise the awareness on Leopard Conservation project in Armenia.
The environmental event was organized within the framework of «In the Wake of the Leopard» campaign initiated by WWF-Armenia. About 20 participants from different countries, who are the students of the college, joint the camp.
The camp started from the WWF-Armenia office where students had chance to get acquainted with WWF staff and their projects in Armenia. Next stop was Gnishik Protected Landscape’s visitor center in Vayots Dzor where they met Arus Nersisyan, director of the Gnishik Intercommunity Environmental Foundation. After the small presentation the group moved to Noravank Monastery, a 13th-century Armenian monastery, located in a narrow gorge of Noravank, near the town of Yeghegnadzor, Armenia. Later the group visited Areni-1 cave, a 6100-year-old winery that was discovered in the village of Areni in the Vayots Dzor region. The oldest shoe of the world was found in the same cave in 2008. Last stop of the day was Bezoar goats observation point in Shatin village of Vayots Dzor region, where students could see several groups of bezoar goats in the wildlife. The observation point was created by WWF-Armenia to promote community-based ecotourism in the area.
Second day’s agenda included field visit and hiking to the Gnishik Protected Landscape where participants observed wildlife and incredible landscapes of Noravank Gorge. WWF-Armenia’s wildlife expert Mr. Alexander Malkhasyan presented wildlife monitoring methods of WWF and demonstrated camera traps installation. Arsen Gasparyan, Leopard Conservation project national coordinator presented WWF’s efforts towards the threatened animal species conservation. The students were introduced results of animals’ bioactivity, such as footprints and food remains.
The camp was full of information, positive emotions and good memories. It’s just a beginning of very productive cooperation between UWC Dilijan College and WWF-Armenia.
Last week Ayb School hosted WWF-Armenia representatives.
The meetings, which were organized for two different age groups, were held within the framework of the “Leopard Conservation” project, implemented by WWF in Armenia for already 15 years.
During the meetings, the coordinator of WWF- Armenia “Leopard Conservation” project Arsen Gasparyan told about the leopard, presenting its main habitats, endangering factors, project achievements, prey species, etc. During the meeting, students had the opportunity to watch video and photo materials of camera traps which were presenting Armenian wildlife. The students were very interested and active which made the atmosphere very interactive and meaningful.
Competitions on different environmental topics were announced during the meetings, within which students will present paintings, photos, essays and other works.
These meetings aim to raise the level of public awareness on the importance of the wildlife and environmental issues, as well as create a sense of responsibility towards the nature conservation.
From March 3, 2017 the WWF-Armenia, with the support of the Karen Demirchyan Yerevan Metro CJSC, presents “Caucasian Leopard – the King of Armenian Mountains” exhibition in “Yeritasardakan” Station of Metro.
The exhibition is organized within the framework of 15-year anniversary of Caucasian Leopard conservation project in Armenia, which is being implemented by the World Wide Fund for Nature’s Armenian branch – WWF-Armenia. Since 2002, the WWF has been implementing a conservation project on this species in Armenia, thanks to which the animal has not only returned to Armenia but also registered a positive trend.
The Caucasian Leopard conservation project coordinator Arsen Gasparyan notes: “The exhibition aims to raise awareness on the Caucasian leopard –the miracle of our nature. During the whole year we intend to implement number of activities which will represent the role and importance of leopard for Armenian nature. ”
The Karen Demirchyan Yerevan Metro CJSC’s Deputy Director Gevorg Avetisyan says: “We liked the initiative very much and agreed to support the exhibition with the great pleasure. In general, Metro encourages every initiative which has educational and cultural significance. ”
The photos, which are on display, present the main natural habitats of the Caucasian leopard, the prey species (Bezoar goat, Armenian mouflon, Roe deer, etc.), as well as some conservation measures.
March 3 is not a random day. It’s a World Wildlife Day, which aims to raise awareness on the conservation of the world’s threatened wild animals and plants. This year’s slogan is “Listen to the young voices” which encourages the young leaders and future decision-makers to protect endangered wildlife of our planet.
On December 1, WWF-Armenia visited Dilijan Central School, which belongs to the Ayb family schools. The aim of the visit was to introduce the Armenian nature, endangered species, and the main measures of their protection, forests and their importance to the children.
During the meeting, Mr. Arsen Gasparyan, the coordinator of WWF- Armenia “Leopard Conservation” project in Armenia, presented the latest shots and footages of photo-traps. Children liked this very much and were very excited. Mr. Artur Alaverdyan, coordinator of the forest projects of WWF-Armenia, presented the current state of Armenia’s forests and possible dynamics. The topic was so interesting that children started an active discussion with the presenter about the ways of saving forests and their importance.
While children were having classes, WWF- staff visited the school and got acquainted with the school’s unique teaching methodology which ensures the development of children. The existence of such a school in Dilijan is not only significant from the educational point of view but also extremely important for the overall development of the community.
This series of meetings aimed at raising the level of public awareness on the importance of the forests, wildlife and environmental issues, as well as creating a sense of responsibility towards the nature conservation.
WWF-Armenia continues its series of awareness raising presentations on Armenian biodiversity. This time Mr. Arsen Gasparyan, WWF-Armenia’s Leopard Conservation Project Coordinator, made 3 presentations for 3 different audience groups.
First meeting was held on October 3, in the frames of World Animal Day celebration at Yerevan State University Zoology Department. The topic of the meeting was Leopard Conservation in the Southern Caucasus. Mr. Gasparyan presented the main threats for the Leopard in the region, showed the last materials received by camera traps and told about the prey species of Leopard.
Second meeting was held at the Armenian Society for the Protection of Birds’ Dsegh nature visitor center, on October 5. The main topic of discussion was Caucasian Leopard and its prey species which are all endangered species of Armenian fauna. Mr. Gasparyan presented the methods of their conservation and behavior research, protected areas of Armenia and their characteristics, as well as WWF- Armenia’s mission, goals, implemented projects and their importance for Armenia.
Third presentation, held by Mr. Gasparyan on October 13, took place in Green Bean café, and the initiator of the meeting was “Birding Armenia” club. The hero of the discussion was again Caucasian Leopard, the king of Armenian biodiversity. Afterwards, Mr. Alexander Malkhasyan, zoologist and wildlife expert of WWF-Armenia, presented the monitoring methodology of endangered species in Armenia, as well as WWF’s approach towards their conservation.
It is gratifying to note that all three presentations were full of people listening to the specialists attentively and asking questions with the great enthusiasm. WWF-Armenia will continue its awareness raising events which aim to present Armenian unique, rich and spectacular biodiversity.
In the frameworks of Caucasian Leopard Conservation Project, WWF-Armenia launches Leopard Caretakers Network Project which aims to unite the society, international organizations, private and public sectors to strengthen conservation mechanisms of leopard and its prey species (Bezoar Goat, Armenian Mouflon, Roe Deer, etc.).
For this purpose, WWF has already chosen environmentalists from the leopard habitat adjacent communities who will carry out intensive monitoring and field surveys in this habitat to increase the security level of animals. All the caretakers have passed special trainings and practical workshops, as well as received all the necessary equipment for the fieldwork. Educational activities have been also launched to present to the public the importance of leopard existence for Armenian wildlife, as well as its major threats.
Caucasian leopard was registered in the first Red Book of Soviet Armenia in 1987. There were almost no signs of leopard presence in Armenia in 2000. Since 2002, WWF has been implementing a conservation project on this species in Armenia, thanks to which the animal not only returned to Armenia but also registered a positive trend.
As Arsen Gasparyan, the coordinator of WWF’s Leopard Conservation Project in Armenia, mentioned: “The next stage of the project includes cooperation agreements with educational institutions, the private sector and international organizations. Thanks to this we can unite our efforts in saving the species. Also, there will be different competitions and exhibitions aiming to raise the public awareness. Leopard is one of the symbols of Armenia and its national power; it shows up in ancient stone carvings, stories and paintings. It symbolizes wisdom and the ability to survive in very difficult circumstances. And if we consider that Leopard is the King of Armenian biodiversity, it means by saving Leopard we are saving the Kingdom –amazingly beautiful Armenian nature”.
The Persian (Caucasus) Leopard (Panthera pardus saxicolor, Pocock, 1927 = P. p. cis-caucasica, Satunin, 1914) is a globally threatened subspecies classified as ‘Endangered’ by the IUCN. Once widespread throughout the Caucasus, the Persian leopard today is the rarest mammal in the region, holding out in a few small and isolated subpopulations, and the species is both red-listed in all Caucasus countries and recognised as a focal species for conservation for the entire Caucasus Ecoregion.
Already for 15 years, WWF in partnership with IUCN/SSC Cat Specialist Group actively assists responsible Governmental Organisations in the conservation of this flagship animal. In this period, populations of the main prey species of the leopard, such as Bezoar Goat or Mouflon, have increased by at least 15%. Leopard records have also increased, with more than 230 camera-trap photos and 30 videos of leopards have been obtained during last years in the Nakhchyvan Autonomous Republic and Tallish Mountains of Azerbaijan, as well as in southern Armenia, allowing for the identification of several territorial leopards.
Despite these conservation successes, recent leopard records from camera traps point to a highly worrisome phenomena: since autumn 2015, our camera-traps have several times depicted two injured, foot-amputated leopard individuals, who – according to our records – were absolutely healthy before. The causes of these damages are still unclear. Given the extremely low number of Persian leopards in the region we clearly feel our responsibility and obligation to urgently call for deeper research and comprehensive assessments of leopard mutilations.
An effective mitigation of this threat is becoming even much more important considering very recent and very good news passed by colleagues from Nakhchyvan, where the earlier identified female leopard was photographed with two well-advanced cubs. The same female with her two cubs was also observed in southern Armenia in December 2015. The discovery of young leopards in the Zangezur Mountains demonstrates that the protection of wildlife has improved in this region and that leopards can live and reproduce again. Thanks to the conservation efforts, the leopard has again a chance to survive and recover in the south-eastern Lesser Caucasus of Azerbaijan, Armenia and Iran.
We will take new efforts to save the leopard in the Caucasus. The WWF Caucasus Programme (supported by WWF Switzerland and WWF Germany in partnership with Humboldt University Berlin) and the IUCN/SSC Cat Specialist Group (supported by the Foundation Segré) will together tackle the challenging issues that in situ and ex situ leopard conservation in the Caucasus currently is facing. These new opportunities – in combination with existing governmental will and effort – revives our motivation and confidence to continue and intensify work towards survival of the Caucasus leopard and other wildlife species in a long-term perspective.
