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.



'Amphibious Mouse' among 27 New Species Discovered in Peru's Amazon

A clearwing butterfly (Oleria sp.) specimen, from one of the 218 species of butterflies observed during an expedition to the Peruvian region of Alto Mayo, is pictured, June 8, 2022. Conservation International/photo by Marlon Dag/Handout via REUTERS
A clearwing butterfly (Oleria sp.) specimen, from one of the 218 species of butterflies observed during an expedition to the Peruvian region of Alto Mayo, is pictured, June 8, 2022. Conservation International/photo by Marlon Dag/Handout via REUTERS
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'Amphibious Mouse' among 27 New Species Discovered in Peru's Amazon

A clearwing butterfly (Oleria sp.) specimen, from one of the 218 species of butterflies observed during an expedition to the Peruvian region of Alto Mayo, is pictured, June 8, 2022. Conservation International/photo by Marlon Dag/Handout via REUTERS
A clearwing butterfly (Oleria sp.) specimen, from one of the 218 species of butterflies observed during an expedition to the Peruvian region of Alto Mayo, is pictured, June 8, 2022. Conservation International/photo by Marlon Dag/Handout via REUTERS

An "amphibious mouse" with partially webbed feet that eats aquatic insects was among 27 new species discovered during a 2022 expedition to Peru's Amazon, according to Conservation International.

Scientists also discovered a spiny mouse, a squirrel, eight types of fish, three amphibians and 10 types of butterflies, Trond Larsen, head of Conservation International's Rapid Assessment Program, told Reuters this week.

He added that another 48 species found by investigators were potentially new, but needed further study.

The new species were found in Alto Mayo, a protected area with several ecosystems, Indigenous territories and villages.

"Discovering so many new species of mammals and vertebrates is really incredible, especially in such a human-influenced landscape as Alto Mayo," Larsen said.

The expedition between June and July 2022 was made up of 13 scientists plus local technicians and members of Indigenous groups.

"It was really fantastic to work so closely with the Awajun people. They have extensive traditional knowledge about the forests, animals and plants they live side-by-side with," Larsen said.

Among the new species, Larsen highlighted the spiny mouse that has stiff fur, the amphibious mouse, and a dwarf squirrel that measures 14 cm (5.5 in).

"(The squirrel) fits so easily in the palm of your hand. Adorable and beautiful chestnut-brown color, very fast," Larsen said. "It jumps quickly and hides in the trees."

Another favorite discovery was the blob-headed fish, a type of armored catfish, he said.

A total of 2,046 species were recorded during the 38-day expedition using camera traps, bioacoustic sensors and DNA sampling. Among them, 49 were classified as threatened, including the yellow-tailed woolly monkey and the tree monkey.

Larsen said the discoveries reinforced the need to protect the area.

"Unless steps are taken now to safeguard these sites and help restore parts of the landscape ... there's a strong chance they won't persist in the long term," Larsen said.