{
  "id": 12175236,
  "title": "Saudi solar park becomes breeding ground for threatened gazelles in global-first initiative",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/05/saudi-solar-park-becomes-breeding-ground-for-threatened-gazelles-in",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-10-05T14:25:23.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Saudi Gazette",
    "slug": "saudi-gazette",
    "url": "https://saudigazette.com.sa/article/665140/saudi-arabia/saudi-solar-park-becomes-breeding-ground-for-threatened-sand-gazelles"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "A solar park in Saudi Arabia has become a unique haven for endangered sand gazelles, marking a pioneering initiative that merges renewable energy production with wildlife conservation, according to a recent report. The 250-megawatt facility, operated by the Red Sea Global's AMAALA destination, welcomed 38 vulnerable sand gazelles into its 505-hectare landscape, marking the first-of-its-kind \"ReWildingVoltaics\" program globally.\n\nThe 38 Sand gazelles, consisting of 33 females and five males, were introduced in May following a seven-month trial phase. The Reserve's Scientific Services Division predicts the herd could expand to around 600 animals by 2031, with a minimum founder population of 500 necessary for a successful reintroduction into their 24,500-square-kilometer protected landscape.\n\nPrince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve CEO Andrew Zaloumis emphasized the project's dual objective of boosting renewable energy generation and enhancing biodiversity. The solar park's predator-proof perimeter and shaded panels, which reduce sunlight temperatures by 5°C to 10°C, create a controlled breeding environment. Around 73% of the facility can be used as habitat, featuring shaded areas beneath the panels and open terrain with natural rocky outcrops.\n\nThe Sand gazelles were chosen for their ecological importance and adaptability to the solar infrastructure. Their grazing and browsing habits also promote vegetation management and seed dispersal. Omar AlDaweesh, CEO of EDF Group in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, highlighted the project's broader implications, suggesting a model for energy infrastructure and nature coexistence.\n\nThis initiative aligns with Saudi Green Initiative goals to protect 30% of the kingdom's land and sea and generate 50% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030, with a net-zero emissions target by 2060. The Reserve believes the project's lessons could be adapted to other regions combining large-scale renewable energy developments with wildlife restoration programs.",
  "summary": "RIYADH — An operational solar park in Saudi Arabia has become a breeding ground for threatened wildlife under a conservation initiative that combines renewable energy production with efforts to restore native animal populations.Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve said Sunday that 38 vulnerable Sand gazelles have been introduced into a 250-megawatt solar park serving Red Sea Global’s AMAALA…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}