140+ Spiny-Tailed Lizards Released in Royal Reserve

More than 140 spiny-tailed lizards (dhub) were released in King Khalid Royal Reserve near Riyadh in early September 2026, as part of ongoing wildlife conservation and ecosystem restoration efforts in the Kingdom.

The release was carried out by the Imam Abdulaziz bin Mohammed Royal Reserve Development Authority in cooperation with the National Center for Wildlife. The lizards were released at multiple pre-assessed sites inside the reserve, chosen based on field criteria to ensure habitat suitability, adaptation, and long-term stability of the species in their natural environment.

Following the release, teams will carry out ongoing monitoring and follow-up to study the lizards' behavior and measure how well they adapt to their new surroundings. The program forms part of national efforts to support biodiversity, restore ecological balance, and encourage ecotourism within the reserve.

Part of a wider conservation drive

Over recent years, King Khalid Royal Reserve has released more than 300 wild animals of various species — including reptiles, mammals, and local birds — many of them listed as vulnerable or threatened on the IUCN Red List. Recent releases have also included Arabian oryx, Arabian hares, Arabian gazelles, Arabian sand gazelles, mountain gazelles, and Nubian ibex, all aimed at returning endangered species to their natural habitats.

By mid-2025, the reserve had documented 74 wildlife births, including endangered Arabian oryx and sand gazelles, reflecting steady progress in restoring biodiversity and reviving local ecosystems. For residents and nature lovers across the Riyadh region, the initiative is a visible sign of the Kingdom's growing commitment to protecting native wildlife for future generations.

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