The Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Nature Reserve Development Authority (ITBA) has unveiled on April 26, the birth of three endangered red-necked ostriches, reported Saudi Press Agency (SPA).
Thanks to ITBA’s efforts in the restoration and protection of rare and endangered species, this rare kind of birds has been now restored after being considered as extinct in the northern region of the Kingdom for a century.
This success aligns with the ostrich-resettlement program initiated by ITBA in late 2021 to establish a suitable natural habitat for an ostrich couple. As a result, the ostriches successfully adapted to the newly formed habitat and laid 12 eggs for the first time in the spring of 2024, three of which hatched naturally.
The reserve aims to protect wildlife and biodiversity and restore ecological balance by providing a suitable environment for resettling rare species in their natural habitats, including red-necked ostrich, the Reem gazelle, Arab oryx, and others.
Furthermore, it contains 138 various species including Arabian wolf, various types of foxes, felines, hares, the Asian bustard among other birds, and reptiles.
Located in the northeastern part of the Kingdom and covers an area of 91,500 sq. km, the ITBA is widely known as a captivating destination for those interested in eco-tourism, bird watching and hiking.
In February 2024, the reserve signed a memorandum of understanding with the King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives aiming at enhancing cooperation and forming a joint team to produce documentaries about the geographical scope of the reserve, its history, and its wildlife.
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