The Imam Abdulaziz bin Mohammed Royal Reserve Development Authority, in cooperation with the National Center for Wildlife, released more than 60 wildlife species at King Khalid Royal Reserve today near Riyadh, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
This initiative, according to the agency, is part of programs to reintroduce endangered species to their natural habitats, reflecting the integrated national efforts to protect wildlife and promote its sustainability.
“Releasing wildlife into the King Khalid Royal Reserve enhances biodiversity and restores natural habitats within the reserve. This contributes to providing a safe natural environment that supports the stability of wildlife and facilitates its adaptation to its natural habitats”, said the authority’s CEO, Talal Al-Hariqi.
He added that such efforts align with the National Strategy for Environmental Conservation and fulfill one of the objectives of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, which aims to create an attractive environment that contributes to improving quality of life and promoting sustainability.
He also said that the collaboration with the National Center for Wildlife Development is a model for institutional integration in implementing reintroduction programs. This is achieved by unifying scientific and technical expertise and applying global best practices in wildlife conservation, thus ensuring the success of these programs and the long-term sustainability of their results.
Ziad bin Abdulaziz Al-Tuwaijri, director-general of projects and operations at the authority, said that the King Khalid Royal Reserve has released more than 60 wildlife species, including Arabian oryx, Arabian hares, and Arabian gazelles. This initiative aims to enrich the reserve’s biodiversity, contribute to restoring ecological balance through the reintroduction of endangered animals, promote sustainability, and support and revitalize ecotourism.
He said that over past years, the authority released more than 300 wild animals of different types, including reptiles, mammals, and local birds, all of which are classified on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List as species that are vulnerable or threatened with extinction.
He said that animals released in the King Khalid Royal Reserve are subject to periodic and continuous monitoring through field studies and modern monitoring techniques, such as surveillance cameras and tracking collars, where many natural births and herd growth have been recorded, reflecting the success of the release and reintroduction programs.
