The Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve, covering 24,500 square kilometers, is working to restore the endangered Asiatic lion subspecies (Panthera leo leo). The lion is one of 23 historically occurring species approved by the reserve’s board for reintroduction.
According to SPA, the reserve is rebuilding a complete, sustaining trophic pyramid to support the return of the apex predator. CEO Andrew Zaloumis stated that the lion was part of the ancient landscape and that the reserve is building the structural conditions to make their homecoming possible.
The lion appears as a motif in rock art at over 12 sites within the reserve. During the Green Arabia period approximately 12,000 years ago, a fertile corridor from Africa supported herbivores and predators. As the interior dried, locations such as Wadi Al-Disah served as climate refuges for wildlife and ancient civilizations.
Overhunting and modern firearms eliminated Arabian lion prides by the late 19th century. The IUCN classifies the species as Endangered, with 1,100 to 1,300 individuals remaining globally. The Greater Gir Landscape in western India holds an estimated 891 individuals, while others survive in fragmented zones in West and Central Africa.
The ReWildArabia initiative is implementing a strategy to reverse wildlife decline through the local reintroduction of 23 historically occurring species.
What is the current global status of the Asiatic lion? The Asiatic lion is classified as Endangered by the IUCN. There are only 1,100 to 1,300 individuals surviving in the wild globally, with approximately 891 individuals located in western India’s Greater Gir Landscape and the remainder in fragmented zones across West and Central Africa.
How does the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve plan to support the lions? The reserve is utilizing its 24,500 square kilometers to rebuild a complete, sustaining trophic pyramid. This process is designed to create the necessary structural conditions and environmental support required for the eventual return of the apex predator to the landscape.
What evidence exists of lions in the reserve’s history? Lions are documented as a frequent motif in rock art across more than 12 sites in the reserve. Additionally, during the Green Arabia period 12,000 years ago, a fertile corridor from Africa supported large herds of herbivores and predators, including lions.