Imam Abdulaziz Royal Reserve Releases 56 Endangered Animals for Ecological Restoration

The release included ten Arabian oryx, 30 Arabian sand gazelles, six mountain gazelles, and ten Houbara bustards. SPA
The release included ten Arabian oryx, 30 Arabian sand gazelles, six mountain gazelles, and ten Houbara bustards. SPA
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Imam Abdulaziz Royal Reserve Releases 56 Endangered Animals for Ecological Restoration

The release included ten Arabian oryx, 30 Arabian sand gazelles, six mountain gazelles, and ten Houbara bustards. SPA
The release included ten Arabian oryx, 30 Arabian sand gazelles, six mountain gazelles, and ten Houbara bustards. SPA

Saudi Arabia’s Imam Abdulaziz bin Mohammed Royal Reserve Development Authority, in collaboration with the National Center for Wildlife, has released a variety of animals into the King Khalid Royal Reserve. The release included ten Arabian oryx, 30 Arabian sand gazelles, six mountain gazelles, and ten Houbara bustards.
The authority CEO, Dr. Talal AlHarigi, said this initiative aims to reintroduce endangered animals into their natural habitats and restore environmental balance for ecological sustainability.

He added that the released animals have been fitted with tracking collars powered by solar energy. These collars enable specialists to monitor their movements, study their behavior and adaptation to the natural environment, and analyze environmental factors and threats using modern technologies.

AlHarigi emphasized that the authority's ongoing efforts are focused on restoring and sustaining the environment, increasing vegetation cover, and promoting environmental balance aligned with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.
National Center for Wildlife CEO Dr. Mohammed Qurban stated that the center is actively working to increase the population of endangered animals and ensure their localization in their natural habitats, adhering to the highest global standards and practices. The center collaborates with international and local experts as part of its continuous efforts to protect ecosystems, restore biodiversity, and foster environmental balance.



‘Mediterranean Blue Diamond’ Could Fetch $20 Million at Auction 

A Sotheby’s staff holds "The Mediterranean Blue", a fancy vivid blue diamond weighing 10.03 carats estimated to reach 20 million Swiss francs during an auction preview in Geneva, Switzerland, May 8, 2025. (Reuters)
A Sotheby’s staff holds "The Mediterranean Blue", a fancy vivid blue diamond weighing 10.03 carats estimated to reach 20 million Swiss francs during an auction preview in Geneva, Switzerland, May 8, 2025. (Reuters)
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‘Mediterranean Blue Diamond’ Could Fetch $20 Million at Auction 

A Sotheby’s staff holds "The Mediterranean Blue", a fancy vivid blue diamond weighing 10.03 carats estimated to reach 20 million Swiss francs during an auction preview in Geneva, Switzerland, May 8, 2025. (Reuters)
A Sotheby’s staff holds "The Mediterranean Blue", a fancy vivid blue diamond weighing 10.03 carats estimated to reach 20 million Swiss francs during an auction preview in Geneva, Switzerland, May 8, 2025. (Reuters)

A 10-carat blue diamond which could fetch $20 million when it goes under the hammer later this month was presented by auction house Sotheby's in Geneva on Thursday.

The cushion-shaped piece, known as the "Mediterranean Blue Diamond," was mined in South Africa and displayed a rare color that qualified as fancy vivid blue, Sotheby's said.

"The market for coloured diamonds continues to go from strength to strength," said Jessica Wyndham of Sotheby's, added that she expected a price in the region of $20 million.

In 2016, another vivid blue diamond sold for 56.8 million Swiss francs ($68.7 million) at a Christie's auction in Geneva.

Sotheby's high jewellery collection, which includes other coloured gemstones, was presented to journalists in Geneva ahead of a live auction scheduled for May 13 at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel.