RIYADH: The National Center for Wildlife has launched a new training program to improve rangers’ skills in capturing, transporting and monitoring animals, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The program starts with “proper wildlife handling during transport, progressing through capture methods and post-release monitoring, and concluding with the evaluation of designated release sites,” the center said.

Its goal is to unify procedures for wildlife translocation and release, strengthen ranger readiness, ensure the environmental and administrative suitability of release sites, and enhance the overall efficiency of field implementation, the report said.

The training included visits to the King Khalid Wildlife Research Center, which is equipped with a veterinary clinic and laboratories, as well as a number of hands-on exercises.

The NCW said the program was part of its ongoing efforts to build specialized national competencies in wildlife management, reinforce reintroduction programs, safeguard biodiversity and contribute to more effective reserve management and the achievement of the Kingdom’s environmental sustainability goals.