e/news/index.cfm?uNewsID=109201

WWF and Marriott Armenia to launch one-month leopard campaign

Yerevan, Armenia (20 Jul 2007)–Protect leopards while you sleep. As
part of a WWF Armenia campaign to protect the endangered Caucasian
leopard, guests staying at the Marriott Hotel in Yerevan, Armenia, are
being asked to voluntarily donate US$1 for every night they stay.

Proceeds from the campaign will go to supporting anti-poaching units
that patrol the leopard’s natural habitat in southern Armenia. This
will include the purchase of fuel for patrol cars, binoculars, ranger
uniforms, walkie-talkies and other items necessary to combat illegal
poaching.

The Caucasus leopard (Panthera pardus ciscaucasica) is the most
critically endangered species in the Caucasus ecoregion. According to
WWF, only about 20 leopards survive in the Lesser Caucasus and Talish
mountains. It is believed that there are 5-8 leopards in Armenia.

A joint WWF-Marriott press conference, scheduled for 30 August, will
launch the one-month leopard protection campaign.

During the month of September, the hotel will provide space for a WWF
donation box at the lobby. More information about the campaign and the
leopard will be found in individual hotel rooms.

Caucasian Leopard
© Levan Pataraia

For further information:

Arthur Khoyetsyan, Communications Manager
WWF Armenia
E-mail: akhoyetsyan@wwfcaucasus.am