In a significant advancement towards environmental restoration in the region, NEOM’s Nature Reserve has successfully relocated over 1,100 animals across six different species within its expansive natural territory. NEOM has dedicated 95% of its land to nature conservation, establishing a sustainable ecosystem focused on rehabilitating natural habitats, enhancing biodiversity, and employing state-of-the-art environmental monitoring technology to safeguard this precious natural heritage.
Highlighting a momentous milestone, NEOM noted the reintroduction of the Arabian oryx in December 2022, marking the first time this species has graced the sands of northwestern Saudi Arabia in nearly a century. The Arabian oryx had vanished from the wild during the 1970s due to overhunting, but protective efforts in the area have significantly increased their numbers in recent years. There are now more than 208 Arabian oryx residing in NEOM. This species is superbly adapted to desert conditions, with its white coat reflecting sunlight, while its complex respiratory system cools the inhaled air and allows for moisture recycling during exhalation.
The reserve also houses over 530 Arabian sand gazelles, which are small and agile animals typically found in sandy dunes and coastal flatlands throughout the Arabian Peninsula. Notably fast, they can sprint at speeds of up to 100 kilometers per hour. As herbivores, they benefit from the regrowth of plant life in the area—a result of reduced overgrazing and NEOM’s ongoing reforestation initiative, which has seen the planting of 4.7 million trees, shrubs, and grasses.
Additionally, the reserve is home to 223 Arabian mountain gazelles, characterized by their darker coloration compared to the sand gazelles, making them more challenging to spot as they prefer steeper, rugged terrains. NEOM has also successfully reintroduced Nubian ibexes to the reserve, complementing the wild ibex populations that have naturally returned to the region and are frequently monitored through NEOM’s specialized camera systems. Nubian ibexes thrive in the rocky mountainous landscapes of NEOM and are particularly noted for their distinctive curved horns, with males’ horns capable of reaching lengths up to one meter, while females possess shorter horns and a lighter coloration. Their unique rubbery-hooved feet allow them to excel in climbing steep surfaces, helping them evade predators such as wolves.
Furthermore, NEOM has successfully re-established the red-necked ostrich, recognized as the largest and fastest living bird on Earth, featuring necks that can reach up to 2.7 meters and weights exceeding 150 kilograms. The females lay the largest eggs of any living animal, each measuring around 15 centimeters and weighing approximately 1.4 kilograms. This ostrich species is named for the vivid red coloration displayed by the males during the breeding season as they perform elaborate courtship displays to attract mates.
Currently, 27 red-necked ostrich chicks are adapting well to the local climate, thriving in NEOM’s natural reserve where they are successfully raised. Their diet comprises seeds, grasses, leaves, and occasionally insects or small animals. Despite their considerable size, these birds are flightless yet capable of sprinting at speeds of up to 70 kilometers per hour.
In addition, NEOM has successfully reintroduced the laggar falcon, which had not been observed in the deserts of the Kingdom for over forty years. Their relocation to the NEOM reserve marks a pivotal event, as these birds are renowned for their extraordinary speed and exceptional hunting skills, capable of diving onto prey at velocities exceeding 320 kilometers per hour. The laggar falcon is distinguished by its striking appearance, featuring dark markings on its chest and belly, alongside a distinctive black marking above its white face.
This reintroduction of laggar falcons in the Bujdaya section of NEOM is part of a partnership between NEOM and the Saudi Falcon Club, aimed at supporting the preservation of native falcon species within the Kingdom.
Through these efforts, NEOM is not only revitalizing its natural environment but also promoting a sustainable model for wildlife conservation that could inspire similar initiatives globally.
