New Grazing Rules Protect Saudi Nature Reserve Rangelands

Saudi authorities are tightening the rules on livestock grazing to protect rangelands and wildlife. The Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Nature Reserve Development Authority has issued an updated fifth edition of its grazing regulations in March 2026, building on rules first introduced in January 2022, aiming to curb overgrazing and safeguard vegetation cover and biodiversity inside the reserve.

Under the regulations, grazing within the reserve is permitted only with official authorization, and is limited to designated zones, specific time periods, and livestock quotas set The authority warns that uncontrolled grazing strips vegetation before plants mature and seed, driving soil erosion, reduced water retention, rangeland degradation, faster desertification, sand encroachment, less food and shelter for wildlife, and risks to historic sites inside the reserve.

The concern is national in scope. Reviews describe Saudi rangelands as widely degraded from overgrazing by sheep, goats, and camels, with overuse increasing unpalatable plant species while eroding biodiversity. The National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification is rolling out grazing management plans and regulated permits for rangelands and forest areas to enable sustainable use of natural forage, support the livestock sector, and protect wildlife habitats.

Penalties

The national executive regulation sets stepped, per-head fines. Grazing camels or cows in protected rangelands without a permit costs 100 SAR for a first violation, 150 SAR for a second, and 500 SAR for a third. For sheep or goats without a license, the per-head fines are 50, 100, and 200 SAR respectively. Breaching license conditions on the number or type of livestock adds 50, 100, and 200 SAR

Bringing livestock close enough to damage trees is penalized at 500 SAR for a first offense, 1,000 SAR for a second, and 2,000 SAR for a third, For families and herders who rely on natural pasture, the message is clear: obtain the proper authorization and stay within designated zones and quotas to keep the Kingdom's rangelands healthy for the long term.

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