The Historic Return of the Persian Onager to Saudi Arabia's Ecosystem

In a remarkable move for biodiversity, Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve has successfully reintroduced the Persian onager to Saudi Arabia, over a century since their extinction. This endeavor reflects Saudi Arabia’s commitment to wildlife conservation and ecological restoration, significantly impacting the region's environmental landscape.

In April 2024, the journey began when seven Persian onagers were transported from the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature’s Shaumari Reserve in Jordan to the Kingdom's royal reserve. This translocation marks the creation of the first wild population of onagers in Saudi Arabia in over a hundred years, after a 935-kilometer journey. The initial phase of the rewilding efforts has already seen the birth of the first foal, representing a major milestone for both the reserve and Saudi Arabia’s rewilding initiatives.

Andrew Zaloumis, CEO of Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve, expressed his pride in the project, sharing that these are the first free-ranging onagers seen in the region since their extinction in the early 1900s. Historically, the onager has held cultural significance in Arabian poetry, symbolizing strength and elusiveness. As a species classified as endangered by the IUCN, with fewer than 600 remaining in the wild, their reintegration into the Saudi ecosystem is a leap towards sustainable conservation efforts.

Previously, the area was home to the now-extinct Syrian wild ass, a close relative of the Persian onager. The reintroduction of the onager not only fulfills a historical vacancy but also plays a vital role in the reserve's ambitious landscape and seascape restoration initiatives, which stand among the largest in the Middle East.

The success of this project highlights the importance of cross-border cooperation in conservation efforts. The collaboration between Saudi Arabia and Jordan, particularly with the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature (RSCN), showcases how shared goals can lead to significant achievements. Mrs. Batool Ajlouni, President of RSCN's Board of Directors, noted that consistent conservation efforts since 1982 have finally ensured the survival of the wild onager in a new habitat. The partnership aims not only to safeguard this critical species but also to enhance the overall health of ecosystems through effective habitat management practices.

The Persian onager is known for its distinctive physical traits, including a pale sandy-red coat and a light brown dorsal stripe. Their speed is impressive, capable of reaching up to 70 km/h, drawing parallels to the great migrations witnessed in Africa's Serengeti. With a lineage dating back 4 million years, the Persian onager holds a place of historical significance predating both the Arabian horse and the African zebra.

This reintroduction aligns with the reserve's Integrated Development Management Plan, which supports broader initiatives such as the Saudi Green Initiative and Vision 2030. The roadmap for conservation has seen success, with 11 other species successfully reintroduced to the reserve since 2022, enhancing the biological diversity of the region. Among these include the Arabian oryx, Nubian ibex, and multiple species of gazelles and birds, contributing to the ecological richness of the area.

The landscape-wide habitat restoration initiatives provide a foundation for nature to rejuvenate, fostering resilience and connectivity for returning species. As the onager begins to thrive once again in its natural habitat, it represents a renewed symbol of wilderness and the vital importance of conservation—a narrative that will be shared for generations to come.

This achievement resonates well beyond the borders of Saudi Arabia, as it showcases a model for wildlife preservation that could inspire similar efforts around the globe. The journey of the Persian onager stands as a testament to the impact of collaborative conservation strategies and the importance of protecting the rich biodiversity of our planet.