Big Cats and Biosphere Expeditions: Part 1
Biosphere Expeditions are an award-winning, not-for-profit organisation that runs wildlife conservation expeditions. These expeditions are most definitely not excursions for eco-tourists. They are genuine wildlife projects that allow ordinary people the chance to work alongside leading scientists in the field. Their goal is to make an active contribution towards a sustainable biosphere through expedition work. The organisation became one of Land Rover’s Global Environmental Sponsorship Partners in 2002.
Wildlife biologist Tessa McGregor is an environmental journalist and big cat expert. She has led expeditions for Biosphere Expeditions in the Altai Republic in Central Asia, searching for the elusive snow leopard and in Oman, on the trail of the illusive Arabian leopard.
Of all the big cats, none are more symbolic of mystery, rarity and wilderness than the snow leopard. This majestic animal and the awe inspiring mountain peaks of Asia that they inhabit do so much to capture the public’s imagination that it is surprising how little is actually known about them. The snow leopard has only been studied scientifically since the 1980s and even then, their remote and isolated habitat, the difficult terrain and oppressive conditions were considered too challenging to observe their numbers. That was until George Schaller and then Rodney Jackson laid the groundwork, blazing the trail for Tom McCarthy’s study in Mongolia. The Snow Leopard Conservancy and International Snow Leopard Trust were born.
Research continues and expands into more and more areas of the snow leopard’s extensive, high altitude range. This exploratory work, aided by Land Rover equipment and expertise, has given us a glimpse into the snow leopard’s world, shedding light on their needs and behaviour. In the high Altai mountains of Siberia, bordering Mongolia, this important work continues unabated.
Even more rare than the illusive snow leopard an also incredibly challenging to study is the Arabian leopard. The small numbers that somehow manage to cling precariously on in the isolated mountains of Oman and Yemen, the dwindling population and the constant threats that they face make this conservation effort on the Arabian peninsula one of the most difficult and challenging field conservation activities on our planet. This is exactly why Biosphere Expeditions set up in Oman, working closely with the Office for the Advisor of Conservation, Diwan of Royal Court. Alongside local scientists, it’s Biosphere’s aim to search for signs of the leopard in the mountainous Dhofar region. Strengthening ties with the local people is a big part of this, as is investigating historical records and accounts of leopard presence and their numbers. Biosphere Expeditions, with the support of Land Rover, are dedicated to this collaboration with Oman’s conservation authorities, filling in this knowledge gap and protecting the Arabian leopard.
Tags: big cats, Biosphere Expeditions, Wildlife Conservation
