Five newborn oryx
calves add excitement to Neom nature reserve
Neom Nature Reserve
celebrates the birth of five newborn oryx calves, a significant milestone in
their ambitious rewilding program, which officials claim has never been
attempted on such a grand scale. These oryx births mark the first of their kind
in this region of Saudi Arabia in over a century.
Dr. Paul Marshall, the
head of Neom Nature Reserve, emphasized their commitment to rebuilding the
native ecosystem in Neom, a task that has witnessed a recent baby boom in the
reserve. This rewilding initiative, still in its first breeding season, has
seen the successful births of 25 Arabian sand gazelle fawns and eight Nubian
ibex offspring in addition to the oryx calves.
Neom's visionary
conservation mission includes the regreening and rewilding of the area with
native flora and fauna. Their ultimate goal is to preserve 95% of the land for
nature, enhancing biodiversity and promoting a well-functioning ecosystem.
Prior to releasing
native species and reintroducing plants, Neom undertook extensive research to
identify the most suitable locations for their rewilding and regreening
efforts. Through modeling exercises, they predicted animal distribution,
assessed potential restraints, and simulated dispersal over time.
The reserve comprises
four distinct ecologies: coastal, lower desert, mountains, and the upper
valley. The rewilding program was launched in December 2022 in the coastal
desert zone along the Red Sea, with the release of herds of Nubian ibex, Arabian
sand gazelle, mountain gazelle, and Arabian oryx.
In December 2022, native
wildlife was reintroduced to Neom as part of efforts to conserving wildlife
and showcasing the unique biodiversity of the region.
The positive results
of the first breeding season have given Neom confidence for the future. As of
July 27, five Arabian oryx calves, 25 Arabian sand gazelle fawns, and eight
Nubian ibex kids were born, showing the success of their conservation efforts.
To achieve their
ambitious goals, Neom aims to plant 100 million native shrubs, trees, and other
plants by 2030. This regreening effort helps protect the land and reverse its
degradation, combating desertification, which poses a threat to a third of the
world's land.
Rewilding involves
reintroducing animal species that were once indigenous to the area but have
since declined. Initially, the animals are introduced to large enclosed areas
where they become familiar with their environment. As the landscape recovers
and animal numbers increase, protective fences are removed, allowing herds to
disperse over a wider area. The animals, thriving in a landscape with increased
vegetation, help spread the plants' seeds across Neom's landscape as they roam.
Under the leadership
of Dr. Paul Marshall, a diverse and passionate team of experts, including seven
women and four Saudi nationals, are working on this transformative project.
Additionally, a team of 10 Saudi rangers with extensive knowledge of local
plant and animal species has been employed.
Neom Nature Reserve's
flora objective is to plant 100 million native trees, shrubs, and grasses by
2030, with the core aim of restoring a natural balance to create a vibrant, thriving,
and self-sustaining ecosystem.
Source: https://www.thenationalnews.com/
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