Arabian Oryx Calves Welcomed at Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Reserve
In a thrilling announcement on Thursday, the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Reserve revealed the arrival of eight precious Arabian oryx calves. This exciting news marks a significant milestone in the reserve’s crucial breeding program, as reported by the Saudi Press Agency.
From Extinct to Vulnerable: A Remarkable Conservation Story
Once classified as “extinct” in the wild during the 1970s by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, the Arabian oryx has made an incredible comeback. In 1986, it was deemed “endangered,” and by 2011, it became the first animal to transition back to “vulnerable” status on the IUCN’s Red List.
Population Recovery Efforts
Recent estimates from 2016 indicate that there are approximately 1,220 oryxes living in the wild globally, with up to 7,000 more in captivity. The births of these oryx calves at the ITARR are just one part of the reserve’s ongoing conservation efforts.
Expanding Success: More Species Thriving at the Reserve
The arrival of the oryx calves follows the successful hatching of red-necked ostrich chicks and an increase in the Arabian sand gazelle population at the reserve. Additionally, plans are in motion for the construction of a specialized breeding center for the endangered Asian houbara. The Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Reserve continues to be a beacon of hope for endangered species and a testament to the power of conservation efforts.