Saudi NCW Announces First Birth of Female Caracal at Prince Saud Al-Faisal Wildlife Research Center

The Saudi National Center for Wildlife (NCW) announced on Thursday the first successful birth of a female Caracal with two cubs at the Prince Saud Al-Faisal Wildlife Research Center in Taif.

This remarkable achievement is a milestone in the center’s breeding program, launched in 2022 with a core of 16 individuals. The program aims to conserve and protect wildlife, maintain ecosystem balance, and enrich biodiversity, aligning with the National Environmental Strategy and the Saudi Green Initiative, as part of Saudi Vision 2030.

The NCW has invested significant resources in modernizing and preparing the Caracal enclosures at the research center, leading to a marked improvement in the breeding and care programs for this majestic species.

“We are delighted to announce this important milestone, which underlines the success of our efforts to rehabilitate ecosystems and improve balance,” said Dr Mohammed Qurban, CEO of the National Wildlife Centre.

“This achievement is a testament to our commitment to the conservation of endangered species and the expansion of breeding programs, demonstrating our continued success in implementing ambitious environmental initiatives aimed at protecting biodiversity in the Kingdom and promoting best environmental conservation practices within a comprehensive legislative framework,” he added.

Dr Qurban stressed that the NCW is dedicated to supporting efforts to breed and reintroduce endangered species into their natural habitats through specialized scientific programs and activities leveraging information technology in partnership with local and global experts.

The launch of breeding and reintroduction programs for local predators, including the lynx, coincides with the expansion of protected areas, which provide suitable habitats for these creatures. The presence of predators in nature ensures ecological balance, as they play a crucial role in maintaining food chains and contribute to the integrity of ecosystems.

The Prince Saud Al-Faisal Wildlife Research Center in Taif is one of the research centers under the National Wildlife Center, established in 1986 to breed and reintroduce endangered local species into their natural habitats and monitor their progress after their release.

The research center houses eight breeding programs, including the Asina Houbara, Arabian Oryx, Common Ostrich, Arabian Leopard, Arabian Mountain Gazelle, Nubian Ibex, Caracal and Arabian Hare.