Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve Celebrates First Sand Gazelle Birth of 2025 Spring Season

Riyadh, April 9, 2025 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) – The Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve has marked a new conservation milestone with the birth of the first sand gazelle of the 2025 spring season, bringing the total number of gazelle births to 94 since the launch of its rewilding program in 2022.

Native to Saudi Arabia, the sand gazelle (Gazella marica) is among 23 species selected for reintroduction into the reserve as part of the Kingdom's broader environmental restoration efforts. These initiatives align with Vision 2030’s goals for biodiversity preservation and sustainable environmental development.

In a statement marking the occasion, Reserve CEO Andrew Zaloumis emphasized the significance of each new birth, stating: “Every new birth is another step closer to our mission to rewild Arabia. We have already reintroduced 11 of the 23 species we are bringing back to the reserve, and we continue to build resilient populations through our growing animal husbandry program.”

The sand gazelle is currently listed as vulnerable on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, with an estimated global wild population of just 3,000. Historically, hunting, habitat degradation, and climate challenges have contributed to the species’ decline.

Thanks to Saudi Arabia’s dedicated conservation programs, particularly within royal reserves and protected areas, the sand gazelle population is showing signs of recovery. The Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve plays a vital role in these national efforts, offering a safe and thriving habitat for the species and contributing to global biodiversity preservation.

The reserve’s rewilding program has become a model of best practices in ecological restoration, combining species reintroduction, environmental monitoring, and public awareness to foster a sustainable future for Saudi Arabia’s native wildlife.