From historic ‘hima’ to modern conservation: National Center for Wildlife’s efforts in Nafud al-'Urayq Reserve, Saudi Arabia.

Across 2036 km² of central Saudi Arabia, Nafud al-‘Urayq protects a distinctive cordon of dunes, rocky outcrops and ephemeral wetlands. The landscape formed part of Hima Ibil al-Sadaqah (traditional Protected Area), conserved for charity camels during the reign of Caliph Umar ibn al-Khattab (634–644 AD) while historical accounts also associate the wider al-Rabadhah hima with other early caliphs. National Center for Wildlife (NCW) has renewed this hima conservation tradition through ranger patrols, habitat protection, regulated camel transit, biodiversity monitoring and community engagement. These measures have supported habitat recovery, including dense, woodland-like stands of ‘ghada’ (Haloxylon persicum) with ‘arta’ (Calligonum comosum) trees, while safeguarding seasonal habitat for Asian Houbara Chlamydotis macqueenii and other migrants. Rehabilitation of habitats in collaboration with National Center for Vegetation Cover (NCVC) is continuing, and NCW is preparing a pilot releases of Arabian sand gazelle (Gazella marica).

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