Saudi Arabia’s nature reserves thrive in bid to replenish numbers of threatened animals

[UngulateNerd92]

Saudi Arabia is increasing the number of its protected lands and nature reserves to replenish the dwindling number of indigenous species.

The peninsula’s diverse and unique landscape, home to many species, is in need of protection and a number of conservation projects and funds have been initiated to address the issue. Several projects spearheaded by the Kingdom and neighboring countries are attempting to stop dwindling numbers but there is a long way to go. Natural forces can strain an animal population but years of increasing human activity in the region, urbanization, poaching and habitat loss have resulted in native animals being placed on the endangered list. From the Arabian leopard, Arabian oryx and Rhim gazelle to the Lappet-faced vulture and the Asian Houbara that uses the northeastern region of the Kingdom as a migratory pit stop, more needs to be done.

Saudi Arabia’s nature reserves thrive in bid to replenish numbers of threatened animals

 

[Kifaru Bwana]

Sharaan NR is the latest protected area around Al 'Ula and the site of the archeological remains of the Nabatean city of Mada'in Salih. This project was highlighted at a recent exhibition of the archeology of the region in Paris Institut du Monde Arabe.

I have been hoping for more reserves for the past 5+ years, but TBH Sharaan NR is the only recent addition here. I hope the Saudi authorities will establish more reserves soon. For the record: Some of the estimates seem a little on the high side (notably f.i. the Arabian gazelle at 5,000 - 7,000 and Arabian leopard 100 - 250).

 

[Rayane]

Sharaan NR is the latest protected area around Al 'Ula and the site of the archeological remains of the Nabatean city of Mada'in Salih. This project was highlighted at a recent exhibition of the archeology of the region in Paris Institut du Monde Arabe.

I have been hoping for more reserves for the past 5+ years, but TBH Sharaan NR is the only recent addition here. I hope the Saudi authorities will establish more reserves soon. For the record: Some of the estimates seem a little on the high side (notably f.i. the Arabian gazelle at 5,000 - 7,000 and Arabian leopard 100 - 250).

IUCN red-list's Leopard range doesn't include this part of Saudi Arabia. 400km south there is a "probably extinct" population. Not sure how reliable IUCN is, but if there are leopards in the reserve, I think it's in very small numbers.

 

[Kifaru Bwana]

@Rayane, the simple answer here is no, you are jumping to conclusions that are not self evident. Leopards have not been in this particular area for a considerable time.

The reserve was set up primarily and in conjunction with the archeological park as ecological importance of the sandstone cliffs and surrounding desert ecosystem as a unique feature of regional importance. To my personal conviction and knowledge, both gazelle species and ibex had been extinct here for some time.

An area which I would like to see protected for mountain habitat is Jabal Aja, Harrat Uwayrid, Jabal Qaraqir, Hima Fiqrah ... et cetera.

Link: An Arabian Leopard Resettlement Strategy in Saudi Arabia's Sharaan

 

[UngulateNerd92]

@Rayane, the simple answer here is no, you are jumping to conclusions that are not self evident. Leopards have not been in this particular area for a considerable time.

The reserve was set up primarily and in conjunction with the archeological park as ecological importance of the sandstone cliffs and surrounding desert ecosystem as a unique feature of regional importance. To my personal conviction and knowledge, both gazelle species and ibex had been extinct here for some time.

An area which I would like to see protected for mountain habitat is Jabal Aja, Harrat Uwayrid, Jabal Qaraqir, Hima Fiqrah ... et cetera.

Link: An Arabian Leopard Resettlement Strategy in Saudi Arabia's Sharaan

Which parts of the country are Jabal Aja, Harrat Uwayrid, Jabal Qaraqir, and Hima Fiqrah located in?

Also, could ibex and gazelle be reintroduced to that spot where they are now extinct?

 

[Kifaru Bwana]

Which parts of the country are Jabal Aja, Harrat Uwayrid, Jabal Qaraqir, and Hima Fiqrah located in?

Also, could ibex and gazelle be reintroduced to that spot where they are now extinct?

Jabal Aja and Jabal Qaraqir are central massif - Nefud.
Harrat Uwayrid and Hima Fiqrah are Hijaz coastal mixed desert areas.

These are just some of the examples of protected areas named around 1990-95. The system would eventually have some 60-70 protected areas.

What do you mean by spot now extinct relating to ibex and gazelle. Most gazelle and ibex populations are disjunct and scattered across this vast country. Most locals and Bedu have AK47/Kalashnikovs and some do still hunt, allthough I suspect it is now more a city folks "pastime". Mind both ibex and gazelles (of all species) are endangered or critically so (both rhim - leptoceros and idhmi - gazella/cuvieri. The native dorcas (saudiya) have been completely extirpated.

BTW: the Sharaan NR is where both ibex and gazelles have been introduced already!