Jebel Milhan Rapid Assessment Survey

Wadi Shahara, Jebel Milhan, Mahwit  Photo by Dr. Gerhard Lichtenthaeler

Background:  Due to travel restrictions imposed in 2009 on Germans working in Yemen, Dr. Lichtenthaler was eager to accompany Mr. Stanton on a field visit.  They decided to collaborate on a mission to deliver Ministerial permission to conduct trail camera research to Nasser Aswot on Jebel Milhan.  Traveling first by air to Hodeidah, the two went from there to Jebel Milhan via Bajil.  What started out as a delivery mission turned into a trek during which the two assessed the probability that Arabian leopards could exist on Jebel Milhan.

Date(s): December 30, 2009 – January 2, 2010

Budget: ~ $300

Sponsor:  Fully funded by Dr. Gerhard Lichtenthaeler with in-kind contributions from the Foundation.

Who was involved?:

• Dr. Gerhard Lichtenthaeler – GIZ Water Expert
• Mr. Nasser Ahmed Qassim (aka Nasser Aswot) Jebel Milhan resident (see Jebel Milhan Leopard Survey)
• David Stanton - Executive Director of the Foundation for the Protection of the Arabian Leopard in Yemen

How was the money spent?:

• Transportation and Accommodation
• Food
• Nasser’s services as a guide

Outcomes:

• Inconclusive but suggestive evidence that Jebel Milhan could support at least a transient population of Arabian leopards
• Nasser’s connection with the Foundation and an incentive for him to continue the Jebel Milhan Leopard Survey