In a landmark biodiversity restoration effort, the Saudi National Centre for Wildlife, working alongside the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve Development Authority, has released 35 endangered animals back into protected landscapes across the Kingdom.
Arabian Oryx in Saudi Arabia/Arne Backhaus/Unsplash
The move forms part of a long-term strategy to rebuild fragile ecosystems, restore historic wildlife ranges and strengthen ecological balance, as previously reported by TV Brics.
According to the Saudi Press Agency, the reintroductions include 10 Arabian oryx and five ostriches released into the Al-Disah Reserve in Al-Ain Al-Harrah, as well as 20 houbara bustards returned to the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve.
All three species once roamed these regions freely before habitat loss, and overhunting pushed them to the brink.
For conservationists, rewilding efforts like these are about more than numbers. Mohammed Ali Kurban, Chief Executive Officer of the National Centre for Wildlife, described species reintroduction as a cornerstone of sustainable natural resource management, noting that the programmes are designed in line with international conservation standards and supported by scientific research.
Behind the scenes, the initiative relies heavily on modern monitoring technology. Wildlife populations are tracked and studied to assess biodiversity health, identify risks and ensure that reintroduced animals can adapt and thrive in their natural environments over time.
The Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve Development Authority has emphasised the cultural importance of the project, highlighting its role in restoring species that historically shaped the region’s landscapes while safeguarding Saudi Arabia’s natural heritage for future generations.
Spanning roughly 24,500 square kilometres, the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve is one of eight royal reserves in the country and among its most ecologically diverse.
From volcanic plains and rugged mountains to coastal ecosystems along the Red Sea, the reserve encompasses 15 distinct habitat types, making it a critical stronghold for biodiversity in the region.
As Saudi Arabia positions itself as an emerging destination for nature-based and conservation-focused travel, initiatives like this signal a growing commitment to protecting the wild spaces that once defined the Arabian Peninsula.
Follow us on social media for more travel news, inspiration, and guides. You can also tag us to be featured.
TikTok | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
ALSO READ: South Korea to end bear bile farming, but hundreds of bears remain confined
