RIYADH: The King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve Development Authority and the National Center for Wildlife on Monday released 30 reem antelopes and 10 Arabian oryx into King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve.
It was part of the ongoing joint efforts by the organizations to improve biodiversity in the reserve, promote environmental sustainability, and reintroduce endangered species into the Kingdom’s ecosystems, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Mohammed Ali Qurban, the CEO of the NCW, said the latest release is part of the national plans for wildlife development in line with the aims of Saudi Vision 2030 and its goals to improve the quality of life in the Kingdom.
“The Kingdom has centers at the forefront of global centers that specialize in breeding endangered species and settling them in their natural environments, according to the most accurate international standards,” Qurban said.
“They conduct research on the animals’ living conditions and monitor biodiversity in protected areas by tracking animal groups, collecting data and understanding the risks they face.”
Nasser Al-Nasser, the CEO of the reserve’s development authority, said that to date 219 animals on the red list of endangered species have been successfully released into the wild, including houbara bustards and sandgrouse, in addition to Arabian oryx and reem antelopes.
King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve is one of seven nature reserves in the Kingdom established by royal decree. It is a member of the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
