RIYADH — The Imam Abdulaziz bin Mohammed Royal Reserve Development Authority, in cooperation with the National Center of Wildlife (NCW), has released more than 140 spiny-tailed lizards at several suitable sites within King Khalid Royal Reserve. This was part of joint programs to develop wildlife, support biodiversity, and sustain ecosystems in the reserve.The release followed an assessment of the targeted sites based on field criteria that considered the suitability of natural habitats to the species’ needs, supporting the adaptation and stability of the individuals in their natural environment. Monitoring and follow-up activities will subsequently be carried out to study their behavior and assess their adaptation to the release sites.Head of Wildlife Division at the authority Abdullatif Al-Abdulwahab said the release of the spiny-tailed lizards is an extension of the authority’s programs for developing wildlife species and their natural habitats, in cooperation with relevant entities. He noted that the release sites were selected based on field studies that took into account the sites’ environmental characteristics and their suitability for the species.Al-Abdulwahab also indicated that post-release monitoring programs help provide data on the movements, behavior and adaptation of the individuals, supporting the assessment of release outcomes and the development of future wildlife programs in the reserve. Moreover, he noted that the spiny-tailed lizard is one of the species associated with Saudi Arabia’s desert environments and plays a role in the food chain and ecosystem.Al-Abdulwahab stressed that the release reflects the integrated efforts of the authority and NCW to develop wildlife species and support the sustainability of their natural habitats.The initiative is part of the efforts of the Imam Abdulaziz bin Mohammed Royal Reserve Development Authority to develop wildlife, restore natural habitats, and enhance vegetation cover and biodiversity, contributing to the sustainability of ecosystems and supporting the environmental objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.