Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve Welcomes 15th Arabian Oryx Calf Amid Conservation Milestone

RIYADH, Dec. 22 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) – The Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve has announced the birth of its 15th Arabian oryx calf since the rewilding program's launch in late 2022. The program, part of the reserve's Integrated Development Management Plan (IDMP), is a key initiative under the leadership of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, chairman of the Board of Directors.

Andrew Zaloumis, CEO of the reserve, described the event as a significant achievement. "The birth of the reserve’s 15th oryx is a milestone in our conservation work and our contribution to the regional conservation effort to establish sustainable wild populations of this culturally iconic Arabian species across its native terrain," Zaloumis stated in a press release.

The Arabian oryx, a species once declared extinct in the wild in the 1970s due to overhunting and habitat loss, has made a remarkable comeback. Sustained conservation and reintroduction programs have reclassified the species as “vulnerable” on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List.

The reserve's habitat restoration program plays a vital role in supporting the reintroduction of native species, enhancing ecological resilience, and reconnecting landscapes. These efforts align with Saudi Vision 2030 and the Saudi Green Initiative, demonstrating the Kingdom’s commitment to preserving biodiversity and fostering sustainable ecosystems.