RIYADH: In partnership with Riyadh Expo 2030, the Imam Abdulaziz bin Mohammed Royal Reserve Development Authority recently released several wildlife species, including 80 spiny-tailed lizards, into the reserve.
The move was part of environmental monitoring efforts linked to the Expo 2030 site development, reflecting a commitment to integrating major infrastructure projects with biodiversity preservation and sustainability, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Release sites were selected based on field studies to ensure habitat suitability, with teams using various technology to monitor the species’ adaptation and behavior.
By reintroducing these animals into their natural habitats, the project “supports ecological balance and aligns with the Kingdom's Vision 2030 goals for environmental protection,” the SPA stated, adding that Riyadh Expo 2030 “reaffirmed that its commitment to sustainability extends beyond infrastructure to include responsible ecosystem management and the protection of native wildlife.”
A total of 55 wildlife births were recorded across Imam Abdulaziz bin Mohammad Royal Reserve and King Khalid Royal Reserve by mid-second quarter 2026, according to a report published by the SPA last month. Forty of those births were at the Imam Abdulaziz Reserve.
The births include oryx and gazelles, reflecting wildlife recovery and the success of efforts to reintroduce endangered species.
The Imam Abdulaziz bin Mohammed Royal Reserve Development Authority said the births included nine Arabian oryx and 46 sand gazelles, and that the figures “reflect the effectiveness of its field programs aimed at enhancing ecological balance and supporting biodiversity sustainability.”
