Turaif: In a significant boost to wildlife conservation efforts, more than 1,245 wild animals have been successfully resettled in the King Salman bin Abdulaziz Royal Natural Reserve (KSRNR), Saudi Arabia’s largest protected natural area.
The milestone was announced by the KSRNR Development Authority in celebration of the International Day for Biological Diversity on May 22.
Spanning approximately 130,000 square kilometers, the reserve stretches across four provinces Hail, Tabuk, Al Jouf, and the Northern Borders. Since its establishment by royal decree in 2018, the KSRNR has become a hub for biodiversity and ecological preservation.
It comprises the previously designated protected zones of Al-Khanfa, Al-Tubaiq, and Hurra Al-Hurra.
The reserve is home to an impressive array of wildlife, including over 290 migratory bird species, 550 types of wild and grazing plants, and more than 350 species of mammals, reptiles, and amphibians.
Among these are rare and iconic animals such as the Arabian gazelle, Arabian oryx, and the kestrel. In addition to the resettlement efforts, the reserve has recorded over 120 animal births.
KSRNR's landscape is a rich mosaic of mountains, plains, and plateaus, interspersed with archaeological sites dating back nearly 10,000 years.
It also includes populated areas like the city of Turaif and the towns of Al Qurayyat and Tubarjal.
As part of its broader environmental restoration initiatives, the reserve has undertaken large-scale reforestation and land rehabilitation.
More than 2.4 million seedlings have been planted, 700,000 hectares of land restored, and 119 tons of hazardous waste removed.
Additionally, a seed dispersal campaign scattered four tons of indigenous seeds across six valleys, with volunteers and community groups contributing to the greening mission.
The Development Authority highlighted the reserve’s role in preserving Saudi Arabia’s natural heritage, supporting ecological balance, and offering a vital refuge for migratory birds.
It also plays an important part in raising environmental awareness and promoting sustainable tourism and community involvement in conservation.
