Anatolian leopard (Panthera pardus tulliana) is considered a subspecies of the leopard species (Panthera pardus) that lived and still has a limited presence on the Anatolian Peninsula. Thought to be extinct for many years, the Anatolian leopard has been photographed with camera traps at various times in the 20th and 21st centuries, and concrete evidence of its existence has been obtained. These developments have attracted national and international interest regarding the species' biogeography, ecology, and conservation.
Anatolian Leopard (Tübitak Bilim Genç)
The Anatolian leopard has been classified as a distinct subspecies among Middle Eastern leopards due to its morphological and geographical characteristics. Although some scientific sources associate this subspecies with the Persian leopard (P. p. saxicolor), certain anatomical and genetic differences observed in individuals specific to the geography of Turkey justify this distinction.
Historical Distribution and Extinction Process
Historically, the Anatolian leopard was distributed across Turkey's Aegean, Mediterranean, Eastern Black Sea, Eastern, and Southeastern Anatolian Regions. In the 19th and 20th centuries, it was documented to live especially in mountainous, forested, and steep rocky areas. However, due to human-induced pressures such as the expansion of agricultural lands, settlement activities, hunting, and ecosystem degradation, the species population has significantly decreased.
Anatolian Leopard (Tübitak Bilim Genç)
From the 1950s onwards, a sharp decline in Anatolian leopard sightings was observed, with the last reported sightings in Beypazarı, Ankara, in 1974, and around Siirt in the 1970s. The most recent official record was documented in 1974, with the killing of a leopard. These events led to a general belief that the species had become extinct in Turkey.
Rediscovery and Camera Trap Data
Beginning in the early 2000s, new clues regarding the existence of the Anatolian leopard began to emerge within the scope of wildlife monitoring studies conducted under the coordination of the General Directorate of Nature Conservation and National Parks (DKMP). As a result of systematic monitoring studies carried out with camera trap systems, clear image records were obtained in 2019, and this development was shared with the public by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry in 2024.
Anatolian Leopard - Image recorded by camera trap (Tübitak Bilim Genç)
The obtained images show that the leopard continues to live especially in the mountainous regions of Eastern and Southeastern Anatolia. The leopard's home range within the local ecosystem, behavioral characteristics, and feeding habits have also been partially documented through these studies. Visual data indicates that the Anatolian leopard individuals are physically healthy and maintain habitat adaptation.
Physical Characteristics and Behavior
The Anatolian leopard has a large and muscular body, with a shoulder height ranging from approximately 60–75 cm and a body length between 110–150 cm. Its tail is about 90 cm long. Its coat color varies from light yellow to grayish yellow, covered with characteristic black spots. The Anatolian leopard is relatively lighter in color and larger among subspecies.
It is a nocturnal animal and roams alone. It is a predator; it primarily feeds on mammals such as wild goats, mountain goats, wild boars, and rabbits. Thanks to its high physical agility, it moves effectively in steep terrains. It is also a very good climber and swimmer.
ANATOLIAN LEOPARD LIVES IN ANATOLIA! (YouTube)
Conservation Status and Legal Status
The Anatolian leopard is protected under the legislation of the Republic of Turkey. It is among the species under absolute protection within the scope of Animal Protection Law No. 5199 and the BERN Convention. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) generally classifies the species Panthera pardus as "Vulnerable," and subspecies-level assessment studies are still ongoing.
Within the framework of the "Anatolian Leopard Action Plan" carried out by the DKMP General Directorate, the protection and monitoring of the species' habitats and public awareness activities are being systematically continued. National parks and nature parks, which have protected area status, also play a critical role in safeguarding the leopard's habitats.
