NCW and AlUla Begin Partridge Release in Sharaan Reserve

The National Center for Wildlife (NCW) in Saudi Arabia has launched its first-ever partridge release program under the National Program for the Breeding and Reintroduction of Endangered Wildlife Species. The initiative began with the release of 30 chukar partridges into the Sharaan Nature Reserve, in partnership with the Royal Commission for AlUla. This event marks a new milestone in Saudi Arabia’s wildlife protection and environmental sustainability efforts.

The release, carried out jointly by NCW and the Royal Commission for AlUla, reflects a strong partnership aimed at restoring native species and natural ecosystems. Both entities share a common goal — to enhance biodiversity and protect the Kingdom’s unique wildlife. The Sharaan Nature Reserve was chosen for its ideal conditions for the partridge species, including suitable vegetation, water availability, and natural shelter.

Dr. Mohammed Qurban, CEO of the NCW, highlighted that the release underscores the center’s dedication to protecting natural habitats across the Kingdom. He explained that the NCW is working to expand breeding and rehabilitation programs for native species in cooperation with national and international partners. These efforts aim to ensure that endangered species can once again thrive in their natural environments, supporting the Kingdom’s broader environmental objectives.

This initiative directly supports the ambitious goals of Saudi Vision 2030, the Saudi Green Initiative, and the National Environment Strategy. Each of these programs places environmental sustainability and biodiversity at the heart of Saudi Arabia’s future development. The partridge release contributes to national targets of restoring ecosystems, protecting wildlife, and expanding green spaces across the country.

The chukar partridge (Alectoris chukar) is a bird native to mountainous and semi-mountainous environments. It plays a vital role in maintaining ecological balance by feeding on seeds and insects, helping to regulate the natural food chain. The species also acts as an environmental indicator — its presence in the wild reflects the stability and health of ecosystems. Protecting and reintroducing such species is therefore essential for monitoring the progress of conservation efforts.

The NCW currently runs four specialized partridge breeding programs that aim to restore native species populations across Saudi Arabia. Each program focuses on breeding birds in controlled environments before releasing them into protected natural reserves. These efforts are part of a larger framework that includes the breeding of other endangered wildlife such as Arabian oryx, houbara bustards, and mountain gazelles.

Dr. Qurban stated that NCW’s conservation programs follow the highest international standards for captive breeding and reintroduction. The center collaborates with specialized global institutions to ensure the success of each release. These programs involve long-term monitoring and scientific studies to measure the adaptation and reproduction of released species in their natural surroundings.

Located in the scenic region of AlUla, the Sharaan Nature Reserve is one of Saudi Arabia’s most protected natural areas. It is known for its rocky landscapes, diverse vegetation, and rich wildlife. The reserve serves as a natural sanctuary for various native species and plays an important role in Saudi Arabia’s broader conservation framework. With continued support from NCW and the Royal Commission for AlUla, it is expected to become a thriving hub for biodiversity research and eco-tourism.

The partridge release initiative highlights Saudi Arabia’s increasing leadership in environmental sustainability. Through its collaboration with the Royal Commission for AlUla and continued commitment to global conservation standards, the NCW is taking tangible steps toward building a future where wildlife and humans coexist harmoniously.