Wildlife Release Of 124 Species By Imam Turki Bin Abdullah Reserve In NCW Collaboration

The Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Nature Reserve Development Authority confirmed the release of several wildlife species inside the reserve, as part of ongoing biodiversity work. The operation covered 124 animals, including 100 sand gazelles, 10 Arabian gazelles, and 14 Arabian oryxes, carried out with the National Center for Wildlife.

According to the authority, this release supports national programmes that return wildlife to original habitats, protect threatened species, and improve their breeding and survival prospects. The effort fits within wider plans that seek long-term sustainability for key species and greater ecological balance across Saudi Arabia’s natural areas.

The authority stated that the programme follows an integrated scientific method, starting with captive breeding and careful selection of animals for release. Teams then oversee reintroduction steps, carry out field monitoring, and conduct environmental adaptation assessments, so that each released animal can settle, survive, and perform its natural ecological role.

This wildlife release forms part of a broader group of environmental initiatives under the reserve’s management, aligned with Saudi Vision 2030 targets. These initiatives support biodiversity protection, safeguard natural resources, and aim to restore ecological balance, which also helps raise quality of life and strengthens the environmental contribution of protected areas.

The initiative highlights ongoing cooperation between the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Nature Reserve Development Authority and the National Center for Wildlife. Both entities are working together on national efforts that protect wildlife, preserve biodiversity, and reinforce the reserve’s status as one of the Kingdom’s main locations for sustainable wildlife conservation.

With inputs from SPA