Riyadh Daily

Marking World Animal Day on October 4, AlUla is highlighting a broad strategy aimed at protecting wildlife, improving animal welfare, and restoring the natural balance of its landscapes. The region’s rugged mountains, open valleys, and protected reserves support a wide variety of species, making conservation a central part of safeguarding its environmental heritage.

AlUla’s habitats are home to mammals, birds, reptiles, and other wildlife that depend on healthy ecosystems to survive. The variety of terrain across the region has created conditions for rich biodiversity, but maintaining that diversity requires long-term protection of both animals and the places they inhabit. Conservation efforts in AlUla are therefore focused not only on species themselves, but also on preserving the environmental relationships that allow them to thrive.

One major part of this work involves restoring habitats and strengthening protected areas so native species can recover. Conservation programs in the region have included the reintroduction of animals once closely tied to these landscapes, such as the Arabian oryx, Nubian ibex, Arabian sand gazelle, Idmi gazelle, and ostrich. These initiatives are designed around habitat suitability and the long-term ability of each species to establish stable populations in the wild.

Animal welfare efforts in AlUla also extend beyond wild species. Veterinary services in the governorate are addressing the issue of stray animals through a management system based on trap, neuter, vaccinate, and return practices. This method is widely used to reduce uncontrolled population growth among stray cats and dogs while also limiting the spread of disease. In parallel, veterinary care is available to support the health of pets owned by local residents.

Together, these efforts reflect a connected model of conservation in which wildlife protection, habitat rehabilitation, and domestic animal care are treated as parts of the same environmental mission. By combining ecosystem restoration with practical welfare services, AlUla is working to strengthen biodiversity, protect natural resources, and promote a more sustainable relationship between people, animals, and the surrounding landscape.