Twin Endangered Arabian Sand Gazelles Born at King Salman bin Abdulaziz Royal Reserve

The field team of Saudi Arabia’s King Salman bin Abdulaziz Royal Reserve observed in September the birth of twin endangered Arabian sand gazelles. (SPA)
The field team of Saudi Arabia’s King Salman bin Abdulaziz Royal Reserve observed in September the birth of twin endangered Arabian sand gazelles. (SPA)
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Twin Endangered Arabian Sand Gazelles Born at King Salman bin Abdulaziz Royal Reserve

The field team of Saudi Arabia’s King Salman bin Abdulaziz Royal Reserve observed in September the birth of twin endangered Arabian sand gazelles. (SPA)
The field team of Saudi Arabia’s King Salman bin Abdulaziz Royal Reserve observed in September the birth of twin endangered Arabian sand gazelles. (SPA)

The field team of Saudi Arabia’s King Salman bin Abdulaziz Royal Reserve observed in September the birth of twin endangered Arabian sand gazelles, marking the 84th birth of Arabian gazelles within the reserve, reported the Saudi Press Agency on Thursday.

The milestone highlights the authority’s efforts to safeguard wildlife and create a thriving environment for their growth and reproduction.

The authority emphasized that the successful reproduction of these animals reflects the quality and suitability of the natural habitats within the reserve. This success is part of ongoing efforts to preserve endangered species. The reserve has recorded more than 120 mammal births, including oryx, Arabian sand gazelles, and ibex, in its protected areas.

The milestone highlights the authority’s efforts to safeguard wildlife and create a thriving environment for their growth and reproduction. (SPA)

These achievements demonstrate the authority’s dedication to wildlife conservation, evidenced by the release of various endangered species and the creation of tailored environments to support each species. The field team conducts rigorous and regular monitoring to protect these animals and ensure their safety.

Spanning an impressive 130,700 square kilometers, the King Salman bin Abdulaziz Royal Reserve is the largest natural wildlife reserve in the Middle East. It covers four administrative regions: Al-Jawf, Hail, the Northern Borders, and Tabuk. The reserve boasts diverse natural habitats, varied terrain, and unique geographical formations.



KAUST Study: More Large Mammals Roamed Arabian Peninsula than Previously Thought

According to KAUST, the study serves as a key scientific reference supporting the objectives of the Saudi Green Initiative and the Middle East Green Initiative. SPA
According to KAUST, the study serves as a key scientific reference supporting the objectives of the Saudi Green Initiative and the Middle East Green Initiative. SPA
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KAUST Study: More Large Mammals Roamed Arabian Peninsula than Previously Thought

According to KAUST, the study serves as a key scientific reference supporting the objectives of the Saudi Green Initiative and the Middle East Green Initiative. SPA
According to KAUST, the study serves as a key scientific reference supporting the objectives of the Saudi Green Initiative and the Middle East Green Initiative. SPA

A new study by researchers at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), published in the Journal of Biogeography, has identified 15 large mammal species that inhabited the Arabian Peninsula over the past 10,000 years - three times more than previously recognized.
According to KAUST, this study offers the most comprehensive list to date of large mammals from this period and establishes a benchmark for rewilding efforts in the region. It also serves as a key scientific reference supporting the objectives of the Saudi Green Initiative and the Middle East Green Initiative, as well as the programs of the National Center for Wildlife (NCW) and the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification.
"Restoration is not just about plants, for animals play a key role in vegetation communities. In highlighting which large mammals became extinct, we are providing information that will help governments decide which mammals to reintroduce in the future,” said KAUST senior project manager and contributor to the study Christopher Clarke.
During the study, researchers analyzed thousands of petroglyphs (ancient rock carvings) collected during field expeditions as well as from shared social media content, which gave researchers access to a large collection of petroglyphs unknown to the scientific community.
The study revealed that most of the 15 mammal species come from Africa, including lions and cheetahs, and identified two species never previously recorded in the Arabian Peninsula: the greater kudu and the Somali wild donkey.
This study aligns with national efforts to restore ecological balance, particularly in light of the pioneering initiatives launched by NCW, including the reintroduction programs for the Arabian oryx and the cheetah.