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The birth of a rare Arabian Leopard in has been lauded on social media as an important step toward saving the critically endangered species. 

Born on 23 April, the female cub will be protected by the Royal Commission for Al-Ula (RCU), which aims to breed the species at a centre in , then return the animals to their original habitat. 

With only 200 Arabian left in the wild, the birth was celebrated by animal lovers on social media using the hashtag #MeetOurCub. 

"We believe that saving endangered species such as the Arabian Leopard is critical to the protection of our planet and the natural balance of our ecosystem," said Doctor Ahmed Almalki, nature reserves director at RCU. 

The ultimate aim of their Arabian Leopard Programme is to get the species taken off the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s endangered red list, he said. 

"We understand this will take a lot of effort and it will require time," said Doctor Almalki.  

Today we are celebrating the successful birth of an cub, an important milestone in our journey to reintroduce this species to its natural habitat in and the wider region. and explore our work here:

— الهيئة الملكية لمحافظة العلا (@RCU_SA)

The first 12 weeks are a "critical time" for the new cub according to the centre's veterinary doctor Abdulaziz Al-Anzi. 

After a full medical examination, which can take place once a leopard is more than 13 weeks old, Al-Anzi said that the "cub's general health was excellent and her mother's as well". 

as we welcome it to our family!

Beautiful and rare, female cub is ready to show her face.

With less than 200 left in the wild, this is a major step towards AlUla's conservation vision.

— Experience AlUla | استكشف العلا (@ExperienceAlUla)

When the Royal Commission announced the birth on social media, Catmosphere, an organisation based in Virginia USA, said it shows the centre "is playing a key role in the quest to save the Arabian Leopard". 

PantheraCats, based in New York, also responded joyfully to the news and said: This cub represents a step forward for the species. #MeetOurCub"