The world's smallest leopard is clinging to life in the mountains of Oman

By Thomas Page, CNN

Updated 0258 GMT (1058 HKT) January 20, 2022

An Arabian leopard photographed in Jabal Samhan Nature Reserve in southern Oman. These elusive creatures are rarely seen in the flesh, but conservationists monitor them via camera traps.
Photos: Remote cameras document Oman's rare Arabian leopards
An Arabian leopard photographed in Jabal Samhan Nature Reserve in southern Oman. These elusive creatures are rarely seen in the flesh, but conservationists monitor them via camera traps.
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The Arabian leopard is one of eight leopard subspecies and once lived across the Arabian Peninsula. But today its range is limited to isolated pockets, with the largest wild populations in Oman and Yemen. It is thought there are fewer than 200 adults left living in the wild.
Photos: Remote cameras document Oman's rare Arabian leopards
The Arabian leopard is one of eight leopard subspecies and once lived across the Arabian Peninsula. But today its range is limited to isolated pockets, with the largest wild populations in Oman and Yemen. It is thought there are fewer than 200 adults left living in the wild.
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The leopard subspecies has its largest population in Jabal Samhan Nature Reserve (pictured) in Dhofar, southern Oman. Around 20 to 30 adults live inside the 4,500 square kilometer (1,737 square mile) protected area. The population here is considered relatively stable, according to local conservationist Hadi Al Hikmani.
Photos: Remote cameras document Oman's rare Arabian leopards
The leopard subspecies has its largest population in Jabal Samhan Nature Reserve (pictured) in Dhofar, southern Oman. Around 20 to 30 adults live inside the 4,500 square kilometer (1,737 square mile) protected area. The population here is considered relatively stable, according to local conservationist Hadi Al Hikmani.
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An Arabian leopard photographed in Jamal Qamar, another mountainous area in Dhofar.
Photos: Remote cameras document Oman's rare Arabian leopards
An Arabian leopard photographed in Jamal Qamar, another mountainous area in Dhofar.
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