After almost a century, Saudi Arabia’s deserts are welcoming back a long-lost giant. The critically endangered red-necked ostrich, historically known as the “camel bird”, has been reintroduced to the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve, marking a significant step in the Kingdom’s efforts to restore desert ecosystems and revive biodiversity.
Once widespread across the Arabian Peninsula, the Arabian ostrich vanished in the early 20th century due to overhunting and habitat loss. Celebrated in Arabic poetry for its speed and strength, the bird remains etched in history through sandstone petroglyphs found across the reserve, depicting ostrich herds and hunting scenes. These cultural and archaeological records have played a key role in guiding modern restoration plans.
A biological return to the desert
The red-necked ostrich, native to parts of North Africa, has been selected as a biological replacement because it is the closest living relative of the extinct Arabian ostrich and is well adapted to harsh desert conditions. A founder population of five birds has now been released into the reserve’s vast 24,500 sq km landscape as part of a long-term rewilding programme.
Though striking in appearance, ostriches play a vital ecological role. As large grazing birds, they aid seed dispersal, help control insect populations and contribute to healthier rangelands, supporting a wider web of desert life.
Part of a wider conservation effort
Fewer than 1,000 red-necked ostriches are believed to survive in the wild today, making their return to Arabia particularly significant. The project is being led by Saudi Arabia’s National Center for Wildlife in collaboration with other royal reserves, NEOM, Aramco and the AlUla Royal Commission.
The Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve spans diverse landscapes from volcanic lava plains to the Red Sea coast and supports more than half of the Kingdom’s recorded species. So far, 12 historically native species have been reintroduced, including the Arabian oryx and sand gazelle.
Aligning with national vision
The ostrich’s return aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and the Saudi Green Initiative, which aim to protect 30% of the country’s land and sea by 2030.
Described by conservation leaders as a landmark moment, the reintroduction of the “camel bird” is more than symbolic — it reconnects Arabia with its natural heritage and signals a renewed commitment to securing the region’s ecological future.