New Aviculture Center To Boost Houbara Bustard Conservation In Saudi Arabia

The Imam Turki Bin Abdullah Royal Nature Reserve Development Authority has embarked on a significant project with the initiation of construction for a new aviculture center within the reserve. This initiative is part of a broader strategy aimed at wildlife conservation, with a particular focus on safeguarding the endangered houbara bustard in its natural setting. A ceremony recently took place to celebrate the commencement of work on the center, which is set to include 22 different facilities ranging from administrative offices to breeding areas, clinics, and laboratories.

Mohammed Al-Shaalan, the CEO of the authority, highlighted the importance of this venture, stating, "The establishment of the center is a crucial step toward increasing the population of the houbara bustard, a rare bird species facing extinction." He further stressed the reserve's dedication to wildlife protection, ecological balance maintenance, support for scientific research and studies, and involvement of the local community in environmental conservation efforts towards sustainability.

Al-Shaalan also pointed out the distinctive features of the center, noting, "This first-of-its-kind facility in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia provides a meticulously designed simulated natural habitat for the houbara bustard. The completely enclosed center will be dedicated to specialized studies, research activities, and the reintroduction of the houbara bustard into suitable natural habitats within the reserve." He added that this initiative would also enhance the economic well-being of the local community by generating new job opportunities.

Occupying an area of 4 square kilometers in the southwestern part of the reserve, the center's first phase of breeding is anticipated to begin by the end of 2024. It is expected to have a capacity to house up to 25,000 birds at its full operational stage. The Imam Turki Bin Abdullah Royal Nature Reserve spans an impressive 91,500 square kilometers, making it the second-largest royal reserve in Saudi Arabia. It is renowned for its stunning landscapes and exceptional biodiversity, home to rare species such as Arabian gazelles, Arabian oryx, and Arabian ostriches, as well as a wide variety of plants and trees.

With inputs from SPA