In a historic step reflecting the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s commitment to preserving biodiversity and restoring ecological balance, the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve announced the successful reintroduction of the Asian houbara bustard within its boundaries. This achievement, following an absence of more than 35 years, marks a significant milestone in the reserve’s efforts to restore wildlife to its former glory in the Arabian Peninsula.
Reviving natural heritage within the framework of Vision 2030
This initiative falls within a broader national context aligned with the goals of Vision 2030 and the Saudi Green Initiative, which place great emphasis on protecting the environment and natural resources. The Kingdom's royal reserves are a cornerstone of this strategy, aiming to safeguard vegetation and wildlife from extinction and provide safe havens for species that have inhabited the Arabian Peninsula for millennia. The return of the houbara bustard is not merely a release of birds; it is a restoration of an integral part of the region's environmental identity.
The Asian houbara bustard: a cultural symbol and challenges to survival
The houbara bustard has long been an integral part of the cultural and folk heritage of the Arabian Peninsula, its name closely linked to falconry, a deeply rooted human tradition. Historically, migratory and resident flocks of Asian houbara bustards were found across a vast geographical area stretching from Egypt in the west to China in the east, with Saudi Arabia serving as a major breeding ground and a safe wintering ground for migratory groups.
However, this species faced serious challenges that led to its classification by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as a threatened species. Overhunting and habitat degradation contributed to a sharp decline in its numbers, making sightings in the Kingdom rare and limited to the northern and eastern border regions, with resident wild populations disappearing entirely for decades.
Strategic partnerships and advanced tracking technologies
The recent release of 20 Asian houbara bustards was the result of close and ongoing collaboration between the reserve's management, the National Center for Wildlife Development, and the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Foundation for Houbara Conservation. This strategic alliance aims to establish sustainable wild populations capable of breeding and living independently in their natural environment.
Commenting on the event, Olivier Combreau, CEO of the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Foundation for Houbara Conservation, explained that this step provides an opportunity to test the latest technologies in wildlife restoration. He noted that 10 of the released birds were fitted with precise satellite tracking devices. These devices will provide vital data on the birds' behavior, movement patterns, and adaptation to their natural habitats, as well as monitor the risks and threats they may face in the wild.
A sustainable future for wildlife
The data collected will be the cornerstone for developing future release strategies, not only within the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve, but also across the Kingdom and the wider region. Through this innovative scientific approach, stakeholders aim to ensure the survival of this iconic bird, promote ecotourism, and raise public awareness about the importance of preserving natural treasures for future generations.
