Rafha, March 18, 2024, The Imam Turki Bin Abdullah Royal Nature Reserve Development Authority has embarked on the construction of a cutting-edge aviculture center within the reserve, as part of its overarching strategy to preserve wildlife in general and safeguard the endangered houbara bustard in its native habitat.
A ceremony was convened to commemorate the commencement of operations at the center, which will encompass 22 facilities, comprising administrative buildings, breeding facilities, clinics, and laboratories.
Mohammed Al-Shaalan, CEO of the authority, underscored the pivotal role of the center in bolstering the population of the houbara bustard, a species teetering on the brink of extinction. He reiterated the reserve's steadfast commitment to wildlife conservation, ecological equilibrium, scientific research, and community engagement in environmental preservation endeavors, all aimed at fostering sustainability.
Al-Shaalan elaborated on the center's distinctive features, emphasizing its status as the first-of-its-kind facility in Saudi Arabia tailored to provide a meticulously crafted simulated natural habitat for the houbara bustard. Enclosed within a controlled environment, the center will serve as a hub for specialized studies, research initiatives, and the reintroduction of the houbara bustard into suitable natural habitats within the reserve. Additionally, it is poised to stimulate the local economy by generating employment opportunities.
Situated in the southwestern expanse of the reserve, the center spans an area of 4 square kilometers. The initial phase of breeding operations is slated to commence by the close of 2024, with a projected capacity to accommodate up to 25,000 birds upon reaching its final stage.
Covering a sprawling territory of 91,500 square kilometers, the Imam Turki Bin Abdullah Royal Nature Reserve stands as the Kingdom's second-largest royal reserve. Renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and extraordinary biodiversity, the reserve is home to an array of rare species, including Arabian gazelles, Arabian oryx, and Arabian ostriches, alongside a rich tapestry of flora and fauna.
