Rafha, September 7, 2023, The Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Natural Reserve Development Authority emphasized today that the Rhim gazelles—the Arabian sand gazelles—that were seen in a video that went viral on social media platforms are the same gazelles that the authority released in the region in 2021, along with oryxes and red-neck ostriches. The authority also released additional gazelles in May as part of its efforts to reintroduce endangered species to their natural habitats, it added. The authority reported that as part of the national program for the release and resettlement of wild animals in national reserves and parks, it had tracked the growth of gazelles in several locations within the reserve, with a positive indication of the success of rare species welfare initiatives, their growth in their natural habitats, the promotion of biodiversity, and the restoration of environmental balance in the reserve. The authority valued community members' awareness, dedication, and effective collaboration to ensure a safe environment for wild animals, free from abuse and poaching. They noted that conservation and protection of rare and endangered species is one of the fundamental pillars of the work and strategic objectives of royal reserves, as well as their desire to restore coexistence and natural harmony between urban growth and economic activities, on the one hand, and the protection of natural
In order for the reserve to meet the highest international standards for ecotourism, the authority also hopes to effectively enhance community environmental awareness and care for protecting nature.
