Saudi returns endangered Oryx to deserts

Saudi authorities have returned the endangered oryx to the desert in the kingdom’s north-western NEOM region, after a century of their absence.

According to Saudi media outlets, oryx and the species of ibex, sand gazelles, and mountain gazelles were sent to the region by the Riyadh-based National Centre for Wildlife (NCW) in late October. After spending time in specially-designed pens to help them adapt to their new environment, the oryx were released into the region’s much larger reserve.

Oryx, ibex, sand gazelles and mountain gazelles return to the wild! One of many responsible #Saudi gigaprojects, @NEOM is at the forefront of accelerated efforts to protect our natural world through #protection, #restoration and #rewilding.@NCW_center pic.twitter.com/Hznw0VJl0c

— Saudi Embassy USA (@SaudiEmbassyUSA) December 20, 2022

With a vast area covering 25,000 square kilometres, NEOM’s Nature Reserve is a major part of the broader megacity being constructed by the Saudi government.

Currently, the areas are still under development and only officials, workers and planners live there, but the authorities aim to welcome residents in 2024 and make the city home to millions of “Neomians” by 2030.

READ: Saudi Arabia: tribesmen jailed for refusing NEOM displacement

While the futuristic project seeks to employ innovations such as flying taxis, an artificial moon and ski slopes, the nature reserve is a major aspect, aiming to host one of the largest rewilding programmes in the world.

The return of the oryx was a key first step in plans to make globally-significant contributions to conservation by reviving wildlife and displaying the region’s unique biodiversity. It comes six months after the first Arabian Oryx was born in the kingdom in 90 years.

“The wildlife release was an historical moment: this is the first time that oryx have walked the sands of NEOM for nearly 100 years”, said Dr Paul Marshall, head of the NEOM Nature Reserve. “It was also a demonstration of our commitment to the protection of nature, which is at the core of NEOM’s vision.”

He added that “Through the establishment of a world-class protected area, we will be able to preserve 95 percent of NEOM’s land and sea for nature, and implement a science-based programme of protection, restoration, and rewilding.”

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