Abuzinada A.H. 1995. Captive breeding and reintroduction of native wildlife in Saudi Arabia. Species (Newsletter of the Species Survival Commission) 24: 21-22.

Summary: During March 1995 groups of Arabian oryx and Arabian sand gazelles were re-introduced into the 'Uruq Bani Ma'arid Protected Area, situated on the western edge of the Rub' al-Khali. This marked the return of the Arabian oryx to the area in which they were last observed in the wild, and is the first release of Arabian oryx into an unfenced protected area. This was the first of several releases, and involved a total of 23 oryx and 102 sand gazelles. To date, 11 protected areas, both terrestrial and marine have been established by the NCWCD, some of which will provide reintroduction sites for captively bred native species. The KKWRC was established in 1987 to undertake the captive breeding of the three native gazelle species. In 1986 the NWRC was established near Taif for the captive breeding of houbara bustard. Other species receiving attention are the Nubian ibex, ostrich, and the two endemic Arabian partridges, Philby's rock partridge and the Arabian red-legged partridge. From a founder group of 37 animals, the national Arabian oryx herd now numbers over 400 individuals. The first group, numbering 17 animals, was released into the Mahazat as-Sayd Protected Area in March 1990, and subsequently reinforced with animals from neighbouring countries. The free-ranging oryx herd at present numbers around 180 animals. Three gazelle species are bred at KKWRC: sand gazelle or rheem; two subspecies of idmi or mountain gazelle, Gazella gazella cora and G. g. erlangeri; and G. dorcas saudiya, the Saudi gazelle or afri. The total national gazelle herd now numbers 800 animals. A total of 71 mountain gazelle were released into the Ibex Reserve, and the population now numbers more than 160 animals. Artificial insemination techniques have been applied to the captive breeding of houbara bustards and a fertility level of over 80% has been achieved. During the 1993 season, more than 300 houbara chicks were hatched.

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