Saudi Arabia: Over 20 Spiny-Tailed Lizards Released into King Khalid Royal Reserve

More than 20 spiny-tailed lizards have been released into the King Khalid Royal Reserve. SPA
More than 20 spiny-tailed lizards have been released into the King Khalid Royal Reserve. SPA
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Saudi Arabia: Over 20 Spiny-Tailed Lizards Released into King Khalid Royal Reserve

More than 20 spiny-tailed lizards have been released into the King Khalid Royal Reserve. SPA
More than 20 spiny-tailed lizards have been released into the King Khalid Royal Reserve. SPA

The Imam Abdulaziz bin Mohammed Royal Reserve Development Authority, in cooperation with the National Center for Wildlife (NCW), has released more than 20 spiny-tailed lizards into the King Khalid Royal Reserve as part of joint programs aimed at reintroducing endangered wildlife species into their natural habitats.

The Imam Abdulaziz bin Mohammed Royal Reserve Development Authority explained that the release aimed to boost the population of spiny-tailed lizards in the King Khalid Royal Reserve, allowing them to play their role in nature and contribute to ecological balance, amid warnings from the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) about the spiny-tailed lizard being classified as an endangered species.

The authority also said that the release of the lizards is part of a wider endeavor that seeks to increase the population of endangered species in realization of the national environment conservation strategy and the Saudi Vision 2030.

The authority, in cooperation with NCW, has released several endangered species, including the Arabian sand gazelle, mountain gazelle, Arabian oryx, and Nubian ibex, among others.



Saudi Northern Borders Witness Return of Diplotaxis

Photo by SPA
Photo by SPA
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Saudi Northern Borders Witness Return of Diplotaxis

Photo by SPA
Photo by SPA

The Saudi Northern Borders region, renowned for its diverse desert landscape, is witnessing the resurgence of the Diplotaxis, a vibrant yellow-flowered species that had become increasingly rare.
This resurgence is attributed to continuous conservation efforts, including the establishment of wildlife reserves and the implementation of stricter environmental protection laws, according to SPA.
Diplotaxis is an annual plant in the Northern Boreders region, typically reaching half a meter in height. Its hairy leaves, an adaptation to the harsh desert climate, help retain moisture. The plant thrives in gravelly soils and blooms in spring with fragrant yellow flowers.
Aman Environmental Association Board of Directors Chairman Nasser Al-Majlad told SPA that the early rainfall this year fostered the growth of numerous plant species, including Diplotaxis, which had been absent from the area for several years.
The Northern Borders region boasts a rich variety of plant life, including aromatic, seasonal, and annual species.

This diverse flora plays a crucial role in combating desertification, stabilizing soil, increasing biodiversity, and enhancing the region's environmental health. Moreover, it contributes to the region's tourism appeal.