Land Rover has demonstrated its commitment to Arabian Leopard Conservation for the sixth year by supporting the Biosphere Expeditions research project.
Wildlife conservation is rife with challenges, yet concerned organizations often battle to overcome them as a result of underfunding. Corporate assistance goes a long way to filling those financial gaps. In the Middle East, Egypt’s wild cats are in peril, Iran’s are faring no better, but Oman may just have a population of Arabian leopards that can thrive in the Dhofar mountain region.
For the sixth consecutive year, the 4×4 auto manufacture Land Rover has lent valuable support to the Biosphere Expeditions research project, which tracks leopard populations in order to best inform conservation initiatives.
Biosphere Expeditions Project recruited volunteers from around the world to help them scout for leopards in the Dhofar Mountain region. These volunteers were first required to undergo vigorous field and animal identification training.
The expedition, which ran from February 6 to March 4, 2011, was held in concert with Oman’s Office for Conservation for the Environment. It also received significant assistance in the form of supplies from Land Rover offices in both Muscat and Salalah.
Four all terrain Land Rovers were contributed to the project. The LR4 is an award-winning vehicle that was pivotal to allowing conservation officers and volunteers to reach the leopards’ habitat.
Accessories were also provided, including off-road tires, and the Salalah branch was also available for “on-the-ground support,” according to Trade Arabia.
The Biosphere Expedition was led by Dr. Matthias Hammer.
:: Trade Arabia
More on wildlife conservation in the Middle East:
Two Women Cycle The Silk Road For Transboundary Conservation
Nature Iraq’s Conservation In A Combat Zone
Protection Legislation Endangers Red Sea Sharks
image via Hiasinho
