Rewidling efforts gaining momentum in Saudi Arabia’s Neom reserve
Saudi Arabia’s National Center for Wildlife (NCW), in
collaboration with Neom, has recorded the birth of the first striped hyena cub
since two breeding pairs were reintroduced to the Neom Nature Reserve.
The birth represents a significant
milestone for Saudi Arabia’s wildlife conservation efforts and provides
evidence that the reintroduced hyenas have adapted successfully to their
natural environment and are capable of reproducing in the wild, the Saudi Press
Agency reported.
The achievement forms part of the
NCW’s broader breeding and reintroduction programs, which aim to restore native
wildlife populations and strengthen the ecological roles of predator species
within their natural habitats.
Read More Native
wildlife reintroduced to NEOM Nature Reserve
Before their release, the two pairs
of striped hyenas underwent a comprehensive rehabilitation program at an NCW
wildlife care facility. The program included veterinary examinations, health
monitoring and preparations to help the animals transition successfully to life
in the wild.
An NCW specialist team also
conducted a field assessment of the reintroduction site to ensure that the
reserve was ecologically suitable and adequately prepared to support the
animals.
NCW CEO Dr. Mohammed Qurban
described the birth as an important achievement in the center’s conservation
efforts.
“This is the first striped hyena
birth following their reintroduction, and it marks an important milestone in
the center’s wildlife breeding and reintroduction programs,” Qurban said.
He added that reintroducing wildlife
into its natural habitat represents an advanced stage of conservation, helping
establish populations capable of surviving and reproducing independently while
restoring their ecological functions.
Read More 134
endangered species released into NEOM nature reserve as part of rewilding
Striped hyenas play an important role
in maintaining healthy ecosystems by scavenging on carcasses and carrion.
However, populations of the species have declined in some regions because of
threats including hunting and poisoning.
The birth of the cub marks a
promising development in efforts to restore the species and strengthen
biodiversity within the Neom Nature Reserve.
Source:
Arab News
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