RIYADH: The National Center for Wildlife released 34 wildlife animals into the Ibex Reserve Protected Area on Wednesday. This move comes as part of the center’s program focused on breeding and resettling endangered wildlife in the Kingdom.

Twenty mountain gazelles and 14 birds, including eagles, sandgrouse and owls, were released into the reserve.

Mohammed Ali Qurban, CEO of the National Center for Wildlife, said: “This contributes to the achievement of the objectives of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 in terms of building a positive and attractive environment and improving the quality of life.

“The reserve receives considerable attention from the center, as a lot of field studies and surveys are conducted to monitor its biodiversity. The surveys have proven the success of such decisions amid the prosperity the released species are witnessing.”

He added: “The efforts exerted by the center in the reserve promote eco-tourism and create economic opportunities that benefit the local community. The center is keen to rely on community partnerships with locals communities and interested bodies.

“The release of animals into the reserve is not limited to the species being bred in the breeding centers; it also includes creatures that are rehabilitated in shelters. This includes birds that are released within their migration area, which comes as part of the international commitments and efforts aimed at preserving these species.

“The national center currently has breeding facilities which are considered among the leading international centers, that focus on breeding endangered species and resettling them in their natural habitats according to international standards. It also conducts studies related to their living conditions and monitors the state of biodiversity in the protected areas using the latest technologies to track wildlife groups, collect data and understand the possibilities and risks facing wildlife.”