Persian Onager Returns To Saudi Arabia After Over 100 Years: A Major Conservation Achievement

The reintroduction of the Persian onager to Saudi Arabia by Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve marks a monumental step in the Kingdom's conservation efforts. This significant event sees the species return after disappearing for over 100 years.

In a historic move in April 2024, seven Persian onagers journeyed over 935 kilometers from Jordan's Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature's Shaumari Reserve to the Saudi Reserve, establishing the first wild population in the Kingdom in a century. Their successful adaptation to the new environment was highlighted by the birth of the first foal within the Reserve, heralding a new era in the rewilding initiatives of Saudi Arabia.

"These are the first free running onager seen in Saudi Arabia since their extinction in the early 1900s. Historically celebrated by Arabic poets, these strong, untamable and elusive creatures are classified as Endangered by the IUCN, with fewer than 600 Persian onager remaining in the wild globally.

Their reintroduction represents a transformative step for their conservation and a major landmark in the Kingdom's biodiversity efforts," stated Andrew Zaloumis, CEO of Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve. This reintroduction not only signifies a milestone in wildlife conservation but also reestablishes a once-lost natural inhabitant of the Arabian Peninsula.

The Persian onager, known for its speed and endurance, can run up to 70 km/h and has historically undertaken extensive migrations. Despite being smaller than other wild asses, they have a distinctive pale sandy-red coat and a rich evolutionary history dating back 4 million years, predating both the Arabic horse and the African zebra. The return of these swift animals to the Saudi landscape underlines the Reserve's commitment to restoring its natural heritage and biodiversity.

Batool Ajlouni, President of the Board of Directors of RSCN, commented, "The Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature has been conserving the wild onager since 1982 and is pleased to see these efforts bearing fruit in Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve in Saudi Arabia. The joint project began in 2024 when the Reserve signed a cooperation agreement with the RSCN to conserve not only this important species, which once roamed Arabia, the Syrian Desert, and the Levant, but also to foster real collaboration in conserving ecosystems, habitats, and ecological connectivity through best practices in protected area management and effective capacity-building programs. The Royal Society looks forward with hope that another wild population of onagers is being established in Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve."

This reintroduction aligns perfectly with the Reserve's Integrated Development Management Plan, which supports the Saudi Green Initiative and Vision 2030. The Reserve, since 2022, has reintroduced 11 species, including the Arabian oryx, Nubian ibex, Sand gazelle, Mountain gazelle, and six bird species like the Griffon vulture and Pharaoh eagle owl. Such efforts showcase the Reserve's dedication to restoring its ecological diversity and ensuring the survival of reintroduced species.

The Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve, spanning 24,500 km², is a testament to Saudi Arabia's commitment to conservation and sustainability. It connects significant projects like NEOM, the Red Sea Project, and AlUla, and is home to the PIF's Wadi Al Disah project and Red Sea Global's Amaala.

With 15 distinct ecosystems, it showcases over 50% of the Kingdom's species, making it a biodiverse haven in the Middle East. Managed by the Royal Reserves Council chaired by HRH Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the Reserve is integral to the nation's broader environmental programs.