Dammam: Saudi Press Agency reported that Aramco has found 10 sites in an area of 950 square kilometers for biodiversity conservation. These centers are located between Sheiba in the south to Ras Tankib in the north and Abu Ali in the east to Abahawar in the west. The region is home to a unique flora and fauna with more than 55 subspecies. Many of these are threatened with extinction or are being displaced due to human interference.
Local extinctions of the Arabian wildebeest (Oryx), antelope (Sand gazelle) and ostriches have been found due to hunting. Aramco has always been careful to take a stand against such natural destruction. As a result, Aramco established the Sheiba Wildlife Sanctuary in 2016 and succeeded in bringing back the locally extinct species of oryx, antelope and ostrich.
The project announced today is part of Aramco’s social responsibility. An area of approximately 637 square kilometers of wildlife sanctuary has been fenced and protected in the habitat of Rubu-ul-Khali in the eastern region. It protects wildlife from threats such as irregular vehicular entry, livestock grazing, littering and poaching. It also protects many indigenous flora.
39 of the 50 species in the Sheiba Wildlife Sanctuary are under the protected category. 13 species are critically endangered and 10 are Arab endemic species. According to recent biodiversity surveys, the presence of 11 species of indigenous plants, 13 species of reptiles, 18 species of mammals, 176 species of birds and 169 migratory species has been found in this area. Organic matter is spread in the form of natural waste from animals and birds. This would result in a more active water cycle as well as the nourishment of dry desert sands.
Less grazing by camels has also helped the growth of flora and fauna in the region. Since its conservation, the presence of golden eagles has recently been discovered for the first time, as well as large numbers of lizards and rabbits. The second phase of the project is expected to increase the number of species within the reserve and allow more animals to arrive. In 1972 there were only four Arabian Oryx. The last wild ostrich was found in the Arabian Peninsula in 1939, and the deer population has declined significantly.
Today, there are 130 Arabian oryx, 120 Arabian deer and four red-necked ostriches. Aramco’s contribution to safeguarding the future of endangered species has contributed to this achievement. Aramco’s efforts to protect the environment and wildlife have also been recognized. In 2019, Sheiba Wildlife Sanctuary was audited by an external team and received ISO 9001 certification.