Over 40 Arabian Sand Gazelles Born in Saudi Reserve in 2026
The births were recorded during the first quarter of 2026 at the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Nature Reserve.
More than 40 Arabian sand gazelle births were recorded during the first quarter of 2026 at the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Nature Reserve, according to the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Nature Reserve Development Authority.
The authority said the births were documented through continuous field monitoring carried out by specialised teams. It added that the high rate of natural reproduction reflects the quality of habitats within the reserve, as well as the effectiveness of protection and habitat management programmes.
According to the authority, reproduction in natural habitats is an important indicator of the success of breeding and reintroduction efforts, marking a shift from reliance on managed care towards self-sustaining populations in the wild.
The Arabian sand gazelle has experienced significant population declines over recent decades due to overhunting and environmental changes. In response, conservation and reintroduction programmes have been implemented to preserve the species and strengthen its presence in its native habitat.
Covering more than 91,500 square kilometres, the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Nature Reserve is Saudi Arabia's second-largest terrestrial nature reserve. Located in the northeast of the Kingdom, it extends across the Northern Borders, Al-Jouf, Hail, Qassim and Eastern Province regions.
