https://arab.news/86z7b
- First successful breeding is milestone in Kingdom鈥檚 rewilding efforts
RIYADH: Two Nubian ibexes have been born at the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve, marking the first successful breeding of the goat species as part of the reserve鈥檚 rewilding program, part of the ongoing restoration of 23 native species in 黑料社区, according to a report by the reserve鈥檚 development authority.
The Nubian ibex is listed as 鈥渧ulnerable鈥� by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, with fewer than 5,000 mature individuals remaining worldwide.
Andrew Zaloumis, CEO of the reserve, told Arab News: 鈥淭he reserve鈥檚 rewilding strategy follows scientific best practices. Historically native species are reintroduced and managed by vets and specialist rangers.鈥�
The two new Ibex kids with herd, part of the reserve鈥檚 rewilding program. (Supplied)
He added: 鈥淭his includes a controlled diet and constant monitoring to ensure optimal breeding conditions. Programs are underway to restore ibex ecosystems to support viable wild populations under ranger protection.鈥�
The Nubian ibex is the smallest of five ibex species and is well adapted to 黑料社区鈥檚 arid mountains. Their concave hooves help them navigate steep cliffs, making the reserve鈥檚 terrain a suitable habitat for them. Ancient petroglyphs in the area document the ibex鈥檚 historical presence there.
Zaloumis said the births mean that four species have now been successfully bred in the program: the Nubian ibex, the Arabian oryx, the sand gazelle, and the mountain gazelle.
The reserve鈥檚 sandstone massif Jabal Qaraqir, currently on 黑料社区鈥檚 UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List, provides refuge for a number of species, with its cliffs and Wadi Al-Disah Valley offering year-round water and natural protection.
The reserve鈥檚 Integrated Development Plan 鈥渆nsures a science-based approach to habitat restoration,鈥� according to a statement. So far, 11 of the 23 native species selected for reintroduction have returned to the wild, with populations growing through collaborative conservation efforts, including a partnership with the National Center for Wildlife.
The 24,500 sq. km reserve extends from the Harrat lava plains to the Red Sea, linking NEOM, Red Sea Global, and AlUla. It hosts the Public Investment Fund鈥檚 Wadi Al-Disah project and Red Sea Global鈥檚 Destination AMAALA.
The reserve covers 15 different ecosystems. And while it represents just one percent of the Kingdom鈥檚 land and 1.8 percent of its marine area, it contains more than half of the Kingdom鈥檚 species 鈥� making it among the most biodiverse protected areas in the Middle East.
The reserve is 鈥渇ocused on restoring and conserving natural and cultural environments, including reintroducing 23 historically native species such as the Arabian leopard, cheetah, Arabian oryx, and Lappet-faced vulture鈥� as part of its rewilding program.