In September 2025, in Georgia’s Algeti National Park the camera traps installed by National Wildlife Agency Georgia, captured a remarkable image of a Persian leopard (Panthera pardus tulliana). This is only the third confirmed record of the species in Georgia in the past 20 years – and the male leopard, known as Aren.

© National Wildlife Agency Georgia

Aren’s story is already familiar to WWF experts. First recorded in Armenia’s ARPA protected area in 2019, he lost part of his front leg later that year, most likely to a landmine. Despite this, he has continued to travel long distances. Over the past six years, WWF camera traps have documented his journey across Armenia, from ARPA to Tavush province, and now into Georgia.

©WWF Armenia

Aren's path is a prime example of how important intact habitats and transboundary protection are for the survival of these extremely rare big cats. Persian leopards are considered highly endangered in the Caucasus. Once widespread across the region, today only about 40 to 60 individuals survive in small, isolated populations in the European-Asian mountain range.

Since the early 2000s, WWF and partners have been working across Armenia, Georgia, and Azerbaijan to protect habitats, secure migration corridors, and monitor leopard populations. These efforts give the species a chance to survive in the region.

It is not unusual for leopards to travel long distances in search of new territory. But Aren’s journey is remarkable not only because of his disability – it also marks only the third confirmed sighting of a Persian leopard in Georgia in the past two decades, raising hopes that this rare, once-extinct species may one day re-establish itself in the country.

Read more on Leopard Conservation Project: https://www.wwfcaucasus.org/our_work/all_initiatives/conservation_of_leopard_in_the_southern_caucasus/ 

Camera Trap Recordings in Armenia and Georgia – 2022 and 2025