In a milestone achievement for Saudi Arabia’s ReWild Arabia initiative, a critically endangered bird species once celebrated by Arab poets and Roman scholars has made a return to the Kingdom after an absence of almost 100 years. Image Credit: SPA
Animals Saudi ArabiaIconic Desert Giant Returns After Nearly a Century
Saudi Arabia has reintroduced the red-necked ostrich to its deserts for the first time in almost 100 years, restoring a key species to support biodiversity and ecosystem balance.
“Returning such an iconic desert species after nearly a century carries deep emotional, ecological, and cultural significance,” said Andrew Zaloumis, Chief Executive Officer of the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve.
Five ostriches have been released into a 24,500 km² protected reserve as part of a long-term restoration programme reintroducing 23 historically native species, with the ostrich becoming the twelfth. The species acts as an ecological engineer by dispersing seeds, supporting plant regeneration and improving soil health. Fewer than 1,000 red-necked ostriches remain globally, and the initiative supports national goals to protect 30% of land and sea ecosystems by 2030 while strengthening climate resilience and wildlife recovery.
