Saudi Arabia | Recording the first birth of a female lynx in Taif
Weather of Arabia - The National Center for Wildlife Development recorded the first case of a female lynx giving birth to two newborns at the Prince Saud Al-Faisal Center for Wildlife Research in Taif. This achievement came within the lynx breeding program launched by the center in 2022 with a core of 16 individuals, with the aim of preserving wildlife, protecting ecosystems, and enhancing biodiversity in accordance with the National Environment Strategy and the Saudi Green Initiative, emanating from the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.
Developing and equipping fences
The center recently carried out development and preparation of enclosures for the lynx, which contributed to the success of the breeding and care programs for this type of mammal. Dr. Muhammad Ali Qurban, CEO of the National Center for Wildlife Development, confirmed that this step highlights the success of the center’s efforts in rehabilitating the ecosystem and enhancing its balance. Pointing out the center’s commitment to preserving endangered species and expanding breeding programs.
What is a lynx?
- Scientific name: Caracal caracal schmitzi
- Locally known name: Lynx
The lynx is a medium-sized, sandy-coloured cat, characterized by long black ears, long legs, a small face and long fangs. It is found throughout Africa, Central Asia and southwest Asia, including India.
The lynx usually spreads in mountainous areas, but its numbers in the Arabian Peninsula are few. The lynx is known as the “barking cat” because of the sounds it makes to ward off danger. It can pounce on prey twice or three times its size, and jumps up to six feet in the air to catch birds. The lynx was of great importance. In ancient Egyptian culture, carvings of the lynx indicate that it guarded the tombs of the pharaohs.
The center's commitment to achieving environmental sustainability
Dr. Qurban explained that launching programs to propagate and resettle local predators coincides with the expansion of natural reserves, which enhances the safety of food chains and contributes to environmental balance and sustainability. He added that the Prince Saud Al-Faisal Center for Wildlife Research has sought, since its establishment in 1986, to propagate endangered species and restore them. Settle them in their natural environments.
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Various breeding programs
The center includes eight breeding programs, including the bustard, Arabian oryx, red-necked ostrich, Arabian leopard, elk, mountain ibex, lynx, and hare. The Center seeks to develop specialized scientific programs and activities based on information technology in cooperation with local and international experts.
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