First Sand Gazelle of 2025 Born at Prince Salman Royal Reserve
The rewilding programme has recorded 94 sand gazelle births since its launch in 2022, helping restore balance to Saudi Arabia’s native ecosystems.
The Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Royal Reserve has welcomed the first sand gazelle birth of the 2025 spring season, continuing its mission to restore vulnerable wildlife to their native habitats. The birth brings the total number of sand gazelles born at the reserve to 94 since the rewilding initiative began in 2022.
The sand gazelle, or Gazella marica, is native to the Arabian Peninsula and is currently listed as a vulnerable species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), with a global wild population estimated at fewer than 3,000. The species faces continued threats from habitat loss and illegal hunting.
The reserve’s CEO, Andrew Zaloumis, confirmed that 11 of the 23 species selected for reintroduction under the rewilding programme have already been successfully returned to the wild. These efforts are supported by a comprehensive animal husbandry strategy designed to build healthy and genetically diverse populations.
Located in northwestern Saudi Arabia, the Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Royal Reserve covers over 24,500 square kilometres and is one of the largest protected areas in the Kingdom. It plays a key role in the Saudi Green Initiative and Vision 2030, which aim to preserve biodiversity, enhance ecosystems, and promote environmental sustainability across the country.
