North Persian leopard  (Panthera pardus saxicolor)

Of the eight recognised subspecies of leopard found in the world, the rare north Persian leopard is one of the largest (4). While size varies considerably throughout the geographic range of the leopard, the main characteristic features are shared by all subspecies. Typically, they have short legs and a powerful stocky frame, uniquely patterned with black rosettes on the back, flanks, shoulders and haunches and black spots and blotches on the head, throat, chest and belly (2) (4) (5). The background colour of their distinctive coat ranges from pale yellow to deep gold, with the exception of the underparts which are white from the chin to the tail (4) (5). The pattern of rosettes, spots and blotches extends to the tip of a long tail, which measures between 60 to 75 percent of the head and body length (4). The skull is conspicuously large in proportion to the rest of their body and allow for powerful jaw muscles required to take larger prey (5).

The majority of north Persian leopards are found in the northwest region of Iran, with smaller populations occurring in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Turkmenistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan and Tajikstan (1) (6).

While leopards exist in a wide variety of habitats (2), the north Persian leopard mainly inhabits sparse forest, grassland and shrubland in remote and rugged mountainous areas, up to an altitude of 3,200 metres (5).

Leopards in general have a broad diet and are able to adapt to fluctuations in availability of prey (4). Consequently, the diet of north Persian leopards varies throughout its range. In northern Iran, wild pigs are the major prey but elsewhere, such as in Armenia and Turkmenistan, bezoar goats and mouflon (wild sheep) form the bulk of the leopard's diet (5) (7). Leopards hunt by using vantage points, such as trees and rocky outcrops, to locate prey and then stealthily stalking their target until close enough to pounce (2) (4). They are commonly considered to be nocturnal, but few studies have specifically considered the habits of the north Persian leopard. However, in similar regions where large predators such as lions and tigers are absent, leopards are reportedly less nocturnal (4). Furthermore, as top predator, north Persian leopards need be less concerned about concealing prey than their African and central Asian counterparts (4).

Leopards are normally solitary but males will sometimes remain with females for short periods following mating (2). The reproductive season is year round with 1 to 4 cubs being born following a gestation period of 90 to 105 days. The cubs reach independence and separate from their mother at 13 to 18 months, living for on average 10 to 15 years but potentially as long as 20 (5).

The relatively large geographic range of the north Persian leopard belies its low overall population size. In 2005, it was estimated that less than 1,300 cats were left in the wild and these were to be found in small and highly fragmented populations (2) (5) (6). Historically, the north Persian leopard was much more widespread in Southwest Asia but hunting, habitat destruction, wildfires and a decline in prey populations have seen their numbers plummet (2) (6). Nonetheless, it is not clear which factors present the largest threat to existing populations (6). In Afghanistan, the leopard fur trade is still rampant and ongoing civil unrest is further exacerbating the plight of these cats (6). Alternatively in Armenia, human disturbance arising from livestock breeding and other farming practices have been highlighted as the greatest threat (7).

The north Persian leopard is classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List and in the absence of targeted conservation faces a very real threat of extinction in the wild (1) (7). Currently there are only a small number of documented projects in Iran and Armenia striving to develop targeted conservation strategies for these leopards. These include enlargement of existing protected areas, maintenance of habitat corridors through which leopards can move, and education of local communities to increase public awareness and concern for the species' survival (6) (7).

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