TURAIF: Saudi Arabia’s largest wildlife park, the King Salman bin Abdulaziz Royal Natural Reserve, has so far resettled more than 1,245 wild animals, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
The reserve has also recorded more than 120 births among its wildlife, SPA reported, citing KSRNR Development Authority records as it marked International Day for Biological Diversity on May 22.
Situated in the Kingdom’s north, the reserve is home to more than 290 species of migratory birds, more than 550 types of wild and grazing plants, and over 350 species of various mammals, reptiles and amphibians.
KSRNR is home to over 290 species of migratory birds. (SPA photo)
Among these animals are the rare Arabian gazelle, the Arabian oryx, and the kestrel, a medium-sized bird of prey.
KSRNR covers an area of 130,000 sq. kilometers, spanning the provinces of Hail, Tabuk, Al-Jouf, and the Northern Borders.
Map of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Royal Natural Reserve. (Courtesy of KSRNR)
The reserve features a range of physical geography, consisting of 14 geographic formations of mountains, plains, and plateaus, and rare monuments dating back to about 8,000 BC.
Also within the reserve are towns such as Al-Qurayyat and Tubarjal in Al-Jouf and Turaif in the Northern Borders.
The authority said the reserve is dedicated to preserving unique natural habitats, forming a haven for wildlife, a crucial stopover for migratory birds each year, and a natural sanctuary with its balanced environment and diverse landscapes.
Since its inception, the authority has focused on raising environmental awareness in the local community to bolster its conservation efforts.
Citizens participate in the KSRNR's vegetation program as part of the national effort make the Kingdom greener and combat desertification. (SPA photo)
Last year, the KSRNR authority reported having planted more than 2,400,000 seedlings, rehabilitated 700,000 hectares, removed 119 tonnes of hazardous waste, and scattered four tonnes of local seeds in the reserve.
The voluntary seed-scattering initiative covered six valleys on reserve territory, including Nayal Valley of Niall Shuaib Abu Talihat, Fager Valley, Shaib Al-Qilayyib, Sarbout Plath, Mot and Masaha valleys.
“The two-month initiative aims to develop vegetation and increase the green area of the reserve, with the participation of several voluntary associations and volunteers, by scattering an estimated four tons of seeds,” the authority posted on its website.
