Saudi Arabia

The first reintroduction of Arabian oryx in Saudi Arabian occurred in 1986 in Mahazat Al Said Protected Area (2,244 km2). Releases in this fenced protected area began in 1990. Successful population growth and releases had driven the numbers of oryx to just over 800 in 2003. However, this population figure was beyond the carrying capacity of the protected area and density-dependent effects created problems of overgrazing and habitat deterioration. By December 2011, the population in MahazatAs Said was estimated at 357 individuals.Another release site is in UruqBaniMa’arid (12,000km2) in southern Saudi Arabia. Unlike Mahazat Al Said protected area, this site is unfenced and releases commenced in 1995. By 2011 the oryx numbers in this reserve were estimated to be approximately 200. Drought and poaching incidents are key factors threatening the restoration of oryx in the UruqBaniMa’arid. Other sites for Arabian oryx release in the kingdom have also been identified.