In a significant step reflecting the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's commitment to protecting its natural environment and restoring its ecological balance, the National Center for Wildlife Development, in close collaboration with the Imam Abdulaziz bin Mohammed Royal Reserve Development Authority, announced the release of 61 endangered wildlife species within the King Khalid Royal Reserve. This event is part of the National Wildlife Reintroduction Program, a cornerstone of the Kingdom's environmental conservation strategy.
Details of the absolute organisms and their ecological importance
The release included a carefully selected group of creatures that were an integral part of the natural history of the Arabian Peninsula, and the list included:
- 10 Arabian oryx (al-Wahidhi): This animal represents a symbol of the success of conservation efforts in the Kingdom after it was on the verge of extinction.
- 34 Arabian oryx: known for their beauty and speed, which play a vital role in the food chain and seed dispersal.
- 7. The Edam antelope: which prefers mountainous and rugged areas, contributing to the biodiversity of the different terrains.
- 10 wild rabbits: to promote the natural balance at the base of the food pyramid within the reserve.
Historical context and the Kingdom's efforts in protection
This step is of immense historical significance, as wildlife in the Arabian Peninsula has suffered over the past decades from overhunting and environmental degradation, leading to the disappearance of many species from their natural habitats. Since the establishment of the National Commission for Wildlife Conservation (formerly) and the National Center for Wildlife Development (now), the Kingdom has been working on meticulous breeding programs in specialized research centers, successfully saving the Arabian oryx and sand gazelle from complete extinction, and they are now being reintroduced to their original environments.
In line with Vision 2030 and the Saudi Green Initiative
This release is not an isolated event, but rather an integral part of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 Saudi Green Initiative , which aims to transform 30% of the Kingdom's land area into protected zones and plant 10 billion trees. The presence of these animals contributes to restoring the health of vegetation through natural grazing and soil agitation, thus enhancing the land's capacity to sequester carbon and combat desertification.
Applying the highest international standards
Dr. Mohammed Ali Qurban, CEO of the National Center for Wildlife Development, confirmed that the releases are carried out according to strict scientific protocols that meet the international standards of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The animals are fitted with tracking collars and microchips to monitor their movements, study their behavior in the wild, and assess their adaptation to climatic conditions, thus providing a vast scientific database to support future research.
King Khalid Reserve: A destination for ecotourism
For his part, Dr. Talal bin Abdullah Al-Huraiki, CEO of the Reserve Development Authority, pointed out that this cooperation paves the way for revitalizing ecotourism . The King Khalid Royal Reserve, which spans 1,162 square kilometers near the capital, Riyadh, is characterized by a unique topographical diversity that includes the Al-Armah Mountains and green plains, making it an ideal destination for nature and adventure lovers, where visitors can see these creatures in their natural habitat, raising community awareness of the importance of preserving the Kingdom's natural heritage.
