Latest news with #NationalCenterforWildlife
Leaders
23-07-2025
- Science
- Leaders
NCW Showcases Baboon Population Management at 30th IPS Congress
The National Center for Wildlife (NCW) represented Saudi Arabia at the 30th International Primatological Society (IPS) Congress, held from July 20 to 25 in Antananarivo, Madagascar. During the congress, the NCW presented two peer-reviewed scientific papers recently published in the International Journal of Primatology , highlighting the environmental and social challenges posed by the growing baboon population in the Kingdom. Drawing on findings from leading primatology journals, the NCW shared Saudi Arabia's distinctive, science-based approach to mitigating the impacts of baboon overpopulation. The presentation emphasized the integration of academic research and practical field strategies in addressing these challenges. As one of the most prominent global gatherings in the field, the IPS Congress brings together researchers and experts dedicated to the study of primates. Saudi Arabia's active participation reflects its commitment to advancing environmental science and promoting innovative national practices. These efforts are in line with the goals of Vision 2030, particularly in the areas of sustainability and biodiversity conservation. Related Topics: In Photos: Saudi Wildlife Center to Explore Caves in Northern Borders Saudi Wildlife Center Partners With Ocean Regeneration Initiative Netflix Documentary 'Horizon' Shows Glimpses of Saudi Wildlife Short link : Post Views: 12 Related Stories
Gulf Insider
22-07-2025
- Gulf Insider
Baboon Sightings in Riyadh Linked to Illegal Pet Release
The National Center for Wildlife has addressed a widely circulated video showing baboons in parts of Riyadh, confirming that the issue is being actively monitored and managed. In a statement, the center said the majority of the problem has already been addressed, and efforts are ongoing to complete the remaining measures. — .. (@vidvid12121) July 20, 2025 It clarified that the baboons observed are not within their natural habitat range and attributed their presence to individuals who had kept the animals as pets and later released them. The center emphasized the dangers of owning wild animals and urged the public to report similar cases through its dedicated hotline. The video, which sparked public concern, showed several baboons roaming one of the valleys in the Riyadh region. Also read: Saudi Municipalities Crack Down On Unlicensed Housing Subdivisions
Saudi Gazette
24-06-2025
- General
- Saudi Gazette
Uruq Bani Ma'arid joins International Union for Conservation of Nature Green List
Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — Uruq Bani Ma'arid, one of Saudi Arabia's most ecologically significant protected areas and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has been included in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Green List of Protected and Conserved Areas. This recognition confirms the site's global ecological importance and highlights the Kingdom's expanding leadership in conserving arid-land habitats. Saudi Arabia's inclusion of Uruq Bani Ma'arid follows earlier Green List achievements, notably for the Ibex Protected Area and the King Salman bin Abdulaziz Royal Reserve. These milestones reflect sustained progress toward excellence in protected-area management. Uruq Bani Ma'arid spans 12,765 square kilometers at the western edge of the Empty Quarter—the world's largest continuous sand desert—harboring the greatest biodiversity in the Empty Quarter. In 2023, the landscape was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its outstanding natural value. The IUCN Green List sets the global benchmark for effective and equitable protected-area management. To qualify, sites must demonstrate transparent governance, measurable conservation outcomes, and meaningful engagement with local stakeholders. Uruq Bani Ma'arid met these criteria through its integrated planning, resilient ecological monitoring, and habitat restoration programs. Under the stewardship of the National Center for Wildlife, Uruq Bani Ma'arid has successfully implemented a breeding and reintroduction program for the endangered Arabian oryx. Commenting on the occasion, CEO of the National Center for Wildlife Dr. Mohammad Qurban said that Uruq Bani Ma'arid exemplifies what science-guided conservation can achieve in extreme landscapes. "Its inclusion on the IUCN Green List reflects our dedication to protecting biodiversity and delivering real conservation impact at both national and global scales.' He added that this milestone supports Saudi Arabia's contribution to the global 30x30 biodiversity target, protecting 30 percent of terrestrial and marine areas by 2030. It also aligns with the Saudi Green Initiative, which integrates conservation as a core pillar of Vision 2030.
Saudi Gazette
12-05-2025
- General
- Saudi Gazette
Saudi Arabia joins Ramsar Convention to protect wetlands and biodiversity
Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — Saudi Arabia, represented by the National Center for Wildlife (NCW), has officially joined the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, marking a major milestone in its efforts to conserve environmental resources, natural habitats, and biodiversity while advancing environmental sustainability and supporting the national economy. The Kingdom's accession reflects the NCW's leadership in developing comprehensive plans for wetland protection, including support for scientific research, monitoring, and ecosystem conservation. The center is coordinating with national partners to implement the Convention's provisions across the country. By joining Ramsar, Saudi Arabia aims to identify and manage sites eligible for the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance and ensure their effective stewardship in line with international standards. Wetlands are among the world's richest ecosystems, hosting around 40% of Earth's species and storing 30% of global carbon. They are vital for water, food, and medicine supply, energy production, climate regulation, agriculture, and ecotourism. They also serve as essential stopovers for migratory waterfowl crossing continents. Dr. Mohammed Qurban, CEO of the NCW, said: 'Wetland conservation directly impacts ecological balance, biodiversity protection, and sustainable development. Saudi Arabia's accession to the Ramsar Convention is a strategic step that contributes to enhancing environmental and economic benefits.' He reiterated the center's commitment to global best practices in wetland conservation and rehabilitation, in alignment with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 and the Saudi Green Initiative. The Ramsar Convention, signed in 1971, is the world's oldest international environmental treaty. It provides a global framework for national and cross-border cooperation in the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands and their resources. It covers various wetland types, including lakes, marshes, oases, estuaries, mangroves, coral reefs, and artificial sites such as reservoirs and rice fields.
Leaders
10-05-2025
- Leaders
Saudi Arabia Observes World Migratory Bird Day
Saudi Arabia celebrated on Saturday the World Migratory Bird Day, stressing the significance of safeguarding migratory birds and their habitats, according to the Saudi Press Agency. Themed 'Shared Spaces: Creating Bird-Friendly Cities and Communities,' the 2025 celebration focused on the vitality of integrating migratory birds into urban planning. Therefore, it seeks to decrease environmental threats and challenges they encounter in urban areas. Represented by the National Center for Wildlife (NCW), the Kingdom has been making bold strides to protect wildlife, including migratory birds, which form an essential part of biodiversity. As part of its efforts to preserve wildlife, the Kingdom has regulated hunting, enforced strict laws in line with approved environmental regulations, and coordinated with relevant authorities to ensure the sustainability of biodiversity. Through the launch of the Fitri platform, the Kingdom has also facilitated hunting season procedures. Meanwhile, NCW conducts field surveys, monitors migration routes, determines the status of each species, studies biodiversity hotspots and wetlands, and updates the national bird list. Furthermore, it boosts environmental monitoring and research programs across coastal and wilderness regions. As one of the most important components of biodiversity, migratory birds are a crucial indicator of environmental health. Accordingly, it has become necessary to abide by regulations and legislation and avoid any human activities that may lead to the destruction of natural environments. Related Topics: Saudi Arabia Bans Polish Poultry Imports after Bird Flu Outbreak Tarout Island: Top Migrating Birds' Destination Al Khunfah: Bird's Meeting Point Short link : Post Views: 3
