RIYADH: Saudi Minister of Environment and Chairman of the National Center for Wildlife Abdulrahman Al-Fadhli has released 15 Arabian sand gazelles at Buraidah Oasis Park in Qassim.
The initiative is part of the breeding and reintroduction program for endangered species in the 2024-2025 season, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
It marked the start of this year’s wildlife release season and continues the center’s efforts to breed endangered species for national parks and natural reserves.
The center enjoys close cooperation with national entities on environmental conservation.
Mohammed Qurban, its CEO, said that the biodiversity of the oasis is assessed to determine the importance of releasing endangered species, including both resident and migratory animals.
The center’s initiatives not only promote ecotourism in Saudi Arabia, but also provide economic opportunities for the local community, he added.
The release is part of efforts to develop national wildlife plans by breeding and reintroducing endangered species, rehabilitating ecosystems and enriching biodiversity.
It aligns with the Saudi Green Initiative and supports the National Strategy for Environmental Conservation, contributing to the goals of Vision 2030 to create a positive environment and improve quality of life, Qurban said.