During our recent camera trapping survey dozens of pictures have been obtained of Persian leopards and other less-known animals within their range in northeastern Iran. These photos offer breathtaking glimpses into the secretive world of one of the world’s most elusive cats, the endangered Persian leopard.

During four trips in October to December 2015 to the Salouk and Sarigol reserves in North Khorasan province, we also trained some 15 local rangers from Iran’s Department of the Environment on the basics of camera trapping and GPS application to enable them to conduct leopard surveys on their own. The two reserves, each consisting of a National Park with an adjoining Protected Area, are located some 100–130 km west of Tandoureh.

These rare photos aren’t just stunning to look at – they’re also of critical importance for conservation. They allow researchers to estimate populations and how they change over time, and they give information on habitat hotspots that need to be prioritized for protection.

A total of 44 camera traps have been kept in operation for eight weeks at both reserves, thanks to generous support from Panthera and Columbus Zoo in the US.

You can help as well! Please consider making a gift today so our researchers can purchase more cameras and conduct even more surveys in the remote habitats of the mysterious Persian leopard.