06.01.2026 13:38
The Anatolian leopard, classified as 'critically endangered' by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), was spotted by a villager in the Idil district of Şırnak.
According to the IUCN, the Anatolian leopard, classified as 'critically endangered', was spotted in the rural area of Idil district.
Prof. Dr. Ahmet Kılıç, a Biodiversity and Environmental Protection Expert, stated that Turkey has a very rich biodiversity, saying, "We understand how important our country's biodiversity is through the species that live here. There are many species of mammals and birds in our country. We witness hundreds of them, and some are endangered species. One of them is this large predator referred to as the Anatolian leopard or Anatolian panther. It can be found in many different places in Anatolia. We have had the chance to see this through camera traps, photographs taken by citizens, and videos. It was last detected in the Southeastern Anatolia Region. It was identified in Diyarbakır in 2013. This indicates that there is still a large population in the region. There are examples of it not only in the Southeastern Anatolia Region but also in the Eastern Anatolia Region, the Black Sea, and other parts of the country. The Anatolian leopard is very valuable because it shows us that other species live and feed in the environment. For instance, the animals it preys on include wild sheep, wild goats, deer, rabbits, and wild boars. Therefore, being at the top of the food pyramid indicates that other species are also present in these areas," he said.
"CITIZENS SHOULD BE INFORMED IN AREAS WHERE IT IS SPOTTED" Prof. Dr. Kılıç stated, "Of course, we need to protect these animals, and the best way to protect them is through promotion and information. It is of great importance to inform our citizens in the rural areas where these animals are seen. The General Directorate of Hunting and Wildlife under the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry will be involved in this matter. Having more information is of great importance. Because these are very rare species. We can understand that Anatolia shows a continental feature through this biodiversity and richness. Therefore, there is a need for cooperation between institutions, and informing our citizens in rural areas and obtaining their support is of great importance. If we want to preserve such rare species in our country, we need to act more carefully. It is essential to convey the warnings of experts and stakeholders to the public. I believe we will be successful," he said.
PENALTY FOR KILLING IS 45 MILLION LIRA It is stated that the penalty for killing the Anatolian leopard, which is endangered, is 45 million lira and 5 years in prison; it is evaluated that the animal may have taken refuge in a tree because it was fleeing from humans.