Wildlife Reintroduction In Saudi Arabia Surpasses 10,000 Releases Across Priority Species

The National Center for Wildlife announced that more than 10,000 animals have been released under breeding and reintroduction programmes for locally threatened species, showing the scale of long-term work to rebuild wildlife, repair damaged ecosystems and support biodiversity across many regions of the Kingdom, in line with national environmental goals.

NCW explained that returning animals to suitable natural habitats is a main tool for restoring ecological balance. These operations help protect biodiversity, raise overall environmental quality and support the stability of habitats, which strengthens the continuity of plant and animal life and key ecosystem functions over many years.

The centre stated that more than 80 priority wildlife species have been included in release efforts over recent years. These comprise reem gazelles, also known as sand gazelles, Arabian oryx, Idmi gazelles, mountain ibex, houbara bustards, ostriches and sandgrouse, with the goal of rebuilding natural populations within their historical and environmental ranges.

NCW indicated that these release efforts are designed to support the recovery of wild populations and to secure their long-term presence in suitable landscapes. The centre highlighted that these steps are planned so that each species returns to locations that match its ecological needs and past distribution across the Kingdom.

CEO of NCW Dr. Mohammad Qurban noted that release operations are among the key tools for restoring ecosystems and reducing ecological imbalance, as the return of wildlife to their natural habitats contributes to protecting biodiversity and improving environmental quality, which in turn supports habitat integrity, the continuity of plant and animal components, and the enhancement of ecosystem functions over the long term.

The centre confirmed that strategic plans continue to focus on expanding breeding initiatives, improving applied scientific research and developing national skills in wildlife management. NCW is also working to apply recognised international biodiversity practices, promote environmental awareness, involve local communities and back eco-tourism, supporting the Saudi Green Initiative, Saudi Vision 2030 and the National Environment Strategy.

With inputs from SPA