Saudi authority’s researchers register 179 species of wild plants

RAFHA: Researchers at the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Reserve Development Authority have registered 179 species of wild plants in its area of 91,500 sq. km, within the administrative ranges of several areas, including the Northern Borders Province, Hail, Al-Jouf, Al-Qassim, and the Eastern Province.
The authority said the plants represented 134 genera, including 113 annual and 66 perennial species. The authority added that the reserve is rich in wild plants which characterize an environment containing valleys, reefs, plains and highlands.
The area intersects the Al-Nafud desert region and dunes, as well as lava fields, which create a diversity among plants, animals, and endemic and migratory birds.
Saudi Arabia is focusing on preserving biodiversity.
In March, the King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve Development Authority and the National Center for Wildlife released 30 reem antelopes and 10 Arabian oryx into the reserve. It was part of the ongoing joint efforts by the organizations to improve biodiversity in the reserve.