RAFHA — More than 40 Arabian sand gazelle births were recorded in the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Nature Reserve in the first quarter of 2026. This reflects the success of the endangered species reintroduction program implemented by Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Nature Reserve Development Authority and the effectiveness of efforts to conserve biodiversity and enhance ecological sustainability within the reserve.
Officials said the birth was recorded through continuous on-site monitoring by a specialized team. The report noted that the high natural reproduction rate of Arabian sand gazelles reflects the quality and suitability of habitat in protected areas, as well as the success of conservation and habitat management programs and the creation of environmental conditions conducive to the stability and reproduction of the species.
Officials explained that the reproduction of wildlife species in their natural habitat is one of the most important indicators of the success of breeding and reintroduction programs. Such progress marks a transition from dependence on managed breeding and care programs to independent reproduction in the wild, confirming the establishment of ecological stability and the conditions necessary for population growth.
The Arabian sand gazelle is one of the most prominent environmental symbols of the Arabian Peninsula. Overfishing and environmental change have reduced its population over the past few decades, prompting the implementation of specialized conservation and reintroduction programs to conserve the species and strengthen its presence in its native habitat.
Imam Turki Bin Abdullah Royal Reserve is Saudi Arabia’s second largest terrestrial nature reserve, covering an area of over 91,500 square kilometers in northeastern Saudi Arabia. Its borders span five administrative regions: Northern Border, Al-Juf, Hail, Qasim, and Eastern Province. The reserve is characterized by diverse natural habitats, varied topography, and unique topography, making it a suitable environment for a wide range of wildlife and plant species.
