Nubian Ibex Newborns Celebrate Significant Rewilding Milestone At Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Royal Reserve

The Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve has celebrated the birth of its first two Nubian ibex newborns. This marks a significant step in the reserve’s rewilding efforts to restore native species in Saudi Arabia. The initiative aims to bring back 23 species that historically inhabited the region, including the Nubian ibex, which is classified as Vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), with fewer than 5,000 mature individuals left globally.

Andrew Zaloumis, CEO of the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve, expressed his enthusiasm about this development. He stated: "The birth of these ibex newborns is an exciting achievement in the reserve’s rewilding program. It marks the fourth iconic species to successfully breed as part of our initiative, following the births of the Arabian oryx, sand gazelle, and mountain gazelle. Each of these milestones brings us closer to the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve Development Authority’s vision to Rewild Arabia."

Zaloumis highlighted that conservation efforts in Saudi Arabia are leading to an increase in ibex populations within royal reserves. The Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve covers 24,500 square kilometers and is one of eight royal reserves in Saudi Arabia. It extends from the lava plains of Harrats to the Red Sea's depths in the west, linking NEOM, Red Sea Global, and AlUla.

This reserve includes 15 unique ecosystems and represents just 1% of Saudi Arabia's land area and 1.8% of its marine area. Despite its size, it hosts over half of the Kingdom's species, making it one of the most biodiverse protected areas in the Middle East. The reserve also features projects like Wadi Al Disah by the Public Investment Fund and Destination AMAALA by Red Sea Global.

The successful breeding of these Nubian ibexes adds to previous achievements with Arabian oryxes, sand gazelles, and mountain gazelles. These milestones contribute significantly to realising the vision set by the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve Development Authority for rewilding efforts across Arabia.

The Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve continues to play a crucial role in biodiversity conservation within Saudi Arabia. By focusing on restoring native species like the Nubian ibex, it contributes to preserving ecological balance and enhancing natural habitats across its vast landscapes.

With inputs from SPA