RIYADH: Over 30 endangered animals have been released into Riyadh’s King Khalid Royal Reserve under the Kingdom’s rewilding program, the Saudi Press Agency reported recently.
The release included 20 Arabian sand gazelles, five Arabian oryx, four wild hares, three steppe eagles, and a black kite, according to the National Center for Wildlife.
A Steppe Eagle is released into the wild at the King Khalid Royal Reserve on April 21, 2025. (SPA photo)
The NCW, in collaboration with the Imam Abdulaziz bin Mohammed Royal Reserve Development Authority, maintains a breeding center in the reserve.
Also, the National Center for Vegetation Development and Combating Desertification reported the birth of an Arabian oryx in Qassim National Park.
The birth was documented by a team from the NCVC, allowing specialists to study the behavior of this endangered native species, according to a separate SPA report.
A new-born Arabian oryx is seen with its mother at the Qassim National Park. (SPA)
Saudi Arabia is a global leader in protecting the Arabian oryx. Since the 1970s it has collaborated with international organizations to save the species from extinction.
Efforts have included establishing reserves such as the Mahazat As-Sayd and Uruq Bani Ma’arid, implementing captive breeding programs, and supporting gradual reintroduction.
