RIYADH: The endangered Arabian oryx has been reintroduced to King Salman bin Abdulaziz Royal Reserve after an almost century-long hiatus.
The reserve development authority’s breeding and return of the endangered species to its natural habitat marks a significant environmental achievement for the Kingdom, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Friday.
Numerous births have been recorded in several areas of the reserve.
The reintroduction program reflects the authority’s commitment to supporting ecological balance, enriching biodiversity and preserving endangered species whose numbers have declined due to environmental pressures, loss of vegetation cover and overhunting.
The authority described the Arabian oryx as an endangered species classified within the Bovidae family. It has a robust build, long, straight horns, and is distinguished by its white coat and unique pattern featuring black facial markings.
It feeds on herbivore plants. Its presence in the King Salman bin Abdulaziz Royal Reserve is the result of efforts to reintroduce native wildlife.
This is one of the authority’s most important programs for the reintroduction and breeding of this species, and dedicated programs for the Arabian oryx are part of the broader efforts to conserve the numerous animal species within the reserve.
The Kingdom has shown keen interest in preserving endangered species. In 1990, it launched a specialized program to breed Arabian oryx in Prince Saud Al-Faisal Center for Wildlife Research, established in 1986 in the administrative boundaries of Taif Governorate, starting with a herd of 38 oryx.
Subsequently, the National Center for Wildlife undertook reintroduction programs in protected areas by releasing animals in groups, while monitoring and observing them to assess the challenges they face.
