Over 140 spiny-tailed lizards released in King Khalid Royal Reserve
RIYADH — The Imam Abdulaziz bin Mohammed Royal Reserve Development Authority, in cooperation with the National Center of Wildlife (NCW), has released more than 140 spiny-tailed lizards at several suitable sites within King Khalid Royal Reserve. This was part of joint programs to develop wildlife, support biodiversity, and sustain ecosystems in the reserve.The release followed an assessment of the…
The Imam Abdulaziz bin Mohammed Royal Reserve Development Authority, in collaboration with the National Center of Wildlife, has released over 140 spiny-tailed lizards at various suitable locations within King Khalid Royal Reserve. This release is part of a joint initiative aimed at enhancing wildlife, promoting biodiversity, and maintaining ecosystem stability in the reserve.
Prior to the release, each site was evaluated based on specific field criteria that considered the suitability of natural habitats for the species' needs, ensuring the successful adaptation and survival of the individuals in their natural environment. Following the release, ongoing monitoring and follow-up activities will be conducted to study the lizards' behavior and evaluate their adaptation to the release sites.
Abdullatif Al-Abdulwahab, Head of Wildlife Division at the authority, explained that the release of the spiny-tailed lizards is a continuation of the authority's efforts to develop wildlife species and their natural habitats. These efforts are carried out in cooperation with relevant entities, with the selection of release sites based on detailed field studies that assess the environmental characteristics and suitability of the sites for the species.
Al-Abdulwahab also mentioned that post-release monitoring programs offer valuable data on the movements, behavior, and adaptation of the individuals, which aids in assessing the success of the release and the development of future wildlife programs in the reserve. He highlighted that the spiny-tailed lizard is indigenous to Saudi Arabia's desert environments and plays a crucial role in the food chain and ecosystem.
Al-Abdulwahab emphasized that this initiative is a testament to the collaborative efforts of the authority and the National Center of Wildlife to develop wildlife species and support the sustainability of their natural habitats. This project aligns with the Imam Abdulaziz bin Mohammed Royal Reserve Development Authority's broader mission to develop wildlife, restore natural habitats, improve vegetation cover, and increase biodiversity.
By doing so, the reserve aims to contribute to ecosystem sustainability and support Saudi Vision 2030's environmental objectives.
Written by urgent.news from Saudi Gazette's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
