The importance of diversity in Saudi wildlife was the main topic at an event that the French consulate general and the National Wildlife Research Center (NWRC) of Taif Cultural Service organized at the consulate on Monday.
“The public awareness of nature conservation, through information and environmental education is the only way to ensure the successful rehabilitation of indigenous wild species. Respecting our environment is not incompatible with modern life, but it is vital for future generations,” said NWRC Director Ahmed Al-Boug.
Olivier Couppey, audiovisual graphics and web designer at NWRC, explained how they established the wildlife research center, the reserves where they are protecting different species of animals especially the Asain Houbara bustard, Arabian oryx, Sudanese ostrich, Arabian gazelles and leopards.
The national wildlife research center is working under National Commission for Wildlife Conservation and Development (NCWCD) that established in 1986 in Riyadh.
Couppey said the main mission of the research center is nature conservation but more specifically to protect wildlife as animal and plants, to breed indigenous species and reintroduce them into the wild.
“That’s what we have been doing for the past 27 years. We still have a lot of work to do on public awareness, which equally important. We have to educate people to better understand and be keen to protect wildlife,” he explained.
NCWCD fulfills its mandate to restore and manage the Kingdoms indigenous wildlife plants and animals through a network of 16 protected areas and two captive breeding centers. The protected areas are At-Tasiya, Umm Al-Qamari, Majami Al-Hadab, Fursan Island, Harrat Al-Harrah, Al-Khunfa, at Tabouk, Mahazat As-Sayd and others. There are three reserves in north, two at the North West, and one south east of Tabouk.
“Some of the areas we choose for the habitat, and to protect and reintroduce indigenous species. It is truly significant to protect these species, as they are part of ecosystem chain. We aim to keep biodiversity constant and save the environment,” he explained.
He also said until now a large success of their project is saving the Houbara bustard, Arabian oryx and the gazelles from extinction. The leopard project is in the first phase of breeding,
“We now have nine leopards. We will make a network of areas in Sarawat Mountains, which we can protect, and learning what are possibilities are at our disposal to keep this species of leopard safe,” he explained.
He further said Mahazat is the first laboratory for several species as gazelles, ostrich, Asian Houbara bustard, Arabian oryx. Inside the reserves there are a lot of other species, such as insects, foxes and wildcats. Vultures are getting maximum protection, and migrant birds are stopping over.
In these reserves, there are not only the key species but many other species are taking advantages of the reserves’ protection.
French Consul General Louis Blin said Saudi Arabia is hardly known for the richness of its wildlife.
He also said that the main aim of the evening was to share the experience of French expert and to spread the awareness on Saudi wildlife and its preservation. France has reached an agreement with Saudi universities as well as scientists to enhance the stability and preservation of wildlife in Saudi Arabia.