https://arab.news/n2nhc
RIYADH: The King Salman bin Abdulaziz Royal Nature Reserve Development Authority is actively working to protect the Arabian Sand Gazelle from extinction.
Recent conservation efforts in the reserve have supported the revival of this species, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Known for its grace, speed, and beauty, the Arabian Sand Gazelle is one of the rare species in the reserve, with its numbers significantly declining over the past century due to poaching.
The authority has observed that the gazelles have begun breeding within the reserve, and field teams are closely monitoring them to ensure their safety.
They emphasized that the successful breeding of these animals reflects the quality of the natural habitats and their suitability for wildlife.
The authority remains committed to protecting endangered species, with the goal of reintroducing them into their natural habitats, supporting self-reproduction, and promoting environmental balance and sustainability, SPA’s report noted.
These efforts are part of the authority’s broader mission to raise public awareness about the Arabian Sand Gazelle and to sustain biodiversity.
The reserve also aims to establish itself as a sustainable tourism destination, showcasing its rich environmental and biological diversity.
As the largest terrestrial nature reserve in the Middle East, the reserve covers an area of 130,700 sq. km, spanning four administrative regions: Al-Jawf, Hail, Northern Borders, and Tabuk.
The reserve features diverse natural habitats, terrains, and unique geographic formations. Recently, it has received several international environmental certifications, including being listed on the Green List of the International Union for Conservation of Nature, making it the first Saudi reserve to achieve this recognition.
Additionally, five important bird areas have been designated based on global criteria, and the reserve has been acknowledged as the largest major biodiversity area in Saudi Arabia according to international standards.