Release of wildlife kickstarts rehabilitation of Saudi nature reserve

Najran Gov. Prince Jalawi bin Abdul Aziz bin Musaed on Wednesday; launched a number of rehabilitation projects to restore wildlife at the southern Saudi nature reserve of Uruq Bani Ma'arid. 

During the event, wild animals including 22 Arabian oryx; 10 reem antelopes, and 5 human antelopes; also were released into the sanctuary as part of a national program; to reintroduce and resettle endangered species; in protected areas of the Kingdom.

In a speech, the governor said Uruq Bani Ma'arid is the first model national reserve in the Kingdom.

Among the projects launched were also the natural world heritage programs and green areas; protection and monitoring also using modern technology; redistributing protection ranges, preparation of a detailed plan for environmental sanitation, scientific research and monitoring mechanisms also aimed at protecting wildlife; and a program for local participation, awareness and environmental education.