First sighting of the golden jackal in Riyadh at the King Abdulaziz Reserve
An unprecedented environmental achievement in the heart of the Kingdom
The King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve Development Authority announced a significant scientific and environmental achievement: the first documented sighting of the golden jackal (Canis aureus) within the reserve's boundaries in the Riyadh region. This discovery is a testament to the success of efforts to protect biodiversity and restore natural ecosystems, in line with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 and the Saudi Green Initiative.
Historical background and environmental conservation efforts
The King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve, spanning a vast area northeast of Riyadh, was established as part of the Royal Reserves Initiative launched by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, in 2018. These reserves aim to preserve the Kingdom's environmental and natural heritage, reintroduce endangered animals, develop vegetation cover, and promote sustainable ecotourism. This monitoring comes within the context of ongoing efforts to rehabilitate natural habitats that have deteriorated over decades, demonstrating that nature is capable of recovering and flourishing when provided with the necessary protection and care.
Details of the monitoring and scientific methodology
The authority explained that this precise monitoring was conducted as part of its ongoing environmental monitoring program, which utilizes the latest technologies. One hundred and three field surveillance cameras (camera traps) were deployed across various natural environments within the reserve to document the presence of large and medium-sized mammals that are difficult to detect using traditional methods due to their shy nature and rarity. The cameras successfully documented two individuals of the golden jackal within the Tanha Oasis, marking the first confirmed scientific documentation of this species' presence in the reserve and in the central region of the Kingdom in general.
Environmental importance and expected impact
The appearance of the golden jackal, a predator located in the middle of the food chain, carries profound ecological implications. Locally, its presence indicates the health and balance of the reserve's ecosystem, demonstrating a sufficient food base of rodents, birds, and reptiles upon which it depends. It also reflects the success of rehabilitation projects, such as the creation of the artificial Tanha Oasis, which has become a magnet for wildlife. Regionally, this discovery contributes to updating species distribution maps in the Arabian Peninsula and provides vital data for researchers and environmental organizations to understand species migration and range expansion. Internationally, this achievement reinforces the Kingdom's position as a key player in global biodiversity conservation efforts.
A promising future for wildlife
The official spokesperson for the King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve Development Authority, Abdulaziz Al-Furaih, confirmed that this sighting is not merely a fleeting observation, but a strong indicator of the beginning of ecosystem recovery. He added that the Authority operates according to a scientific strategy that relies on innovation and technology to study and understand the behavior and distribution of wildlife, thus ensuring its sustainability. It is worth noting that previously available data on the distribution of the golden jackal in Saudi Arabia was limited, with confirmed sightings confined to specific areas in the Eastern and Northern regions, making this discovery in the heart of Najd exceptionally important scientifically.
