Anatolian Leopard that was thought to be extinct was photographed in Eastern Black Sea Region's Kackar Mountains.

Marmara Forest Services Regional Assistant Manager Erkan Kayaoz informed that, a photographer named Cemal Gulas, brought them a picture of a paw print for investigation.

Kayaoz said that the 15 cm wide and 10 cm deep paw print that was found around 2000 meters altitude Mesedagi region of Kackar mountains was investigated. He also added;

Based on the paw print and other information we have, we determined that the subject animal is an Anatolian Leopard. Accordingly, together with photographer and researcher Hagop Savul we started our expedition in the 2000 meters altitude region. Even though we spotted a leopard it's agility didn't allow us to take a picture, however the next morning we were successful in photographing a leopard from a distance.

Kayaoz indicated that an Anatolian Leopard sighting in Kackar Region was not coincidental and that numerous researchers have noted the region on habitat maps.

Kayaoz said that he is honored to positively prove positively that the Anatolian Leopard that was thought to be completely extinct still lives in Kackar Mountains.

The flash presentation of leopard above left are not Anatolian.

In depth studies have previously indicated that the original habitat of Anatolian Leopard, (Aegean Region of Anatolia including Mugla and extending all the way to Taurus Mountains) had a disheartening population of 0. Kayaoz added that the next step of their study is going to be taking an accurate inventory of surviving species. He also added that the successful research was a sponsored expedition, however they would make the photograph available only for scientific researchers and institutions upon request.

This cat was in a Turkish Zoo in the 70's according to a Turkish volunteer,
who graciously provided us with both of these black and white photos and the colour  illustration.