(MENAFN) In a landmark development for Saudi Arabia's conservation efforts, the National Center for Wildlife (NCW) has launched the National Cheetah Conservation Strategy alongside the successful birth of four cheetah cubs. This initiative marks a significant milestone in the kingdom's commitment to preserving and reintroducing cheetahs into their natural habitats.

The strategy, inaugurated under the leadership of Engineer Abdulrahman AlFadley, Minister of Environment, Water, and Agriculture and Chairman of the Board of the NCW, underscores Saudi Arabia's dedication to wildlife conservation. Dr. Mohammed Qurban, CEO of the NCW, emphasized the importance of this strategy in ensuring a sustainable future for wild cheetah populations within the kingdom.

The announcement was made at the NCW headquarters in Riyadh, where strategic objectives and substantial progress in cheetah conservation were highlighted. The strategy outlines ambitious goals, including successful captive breeding, strategic site selection for reintroduction, and community engagement in wildlife conservation efforts. Rigorous monitoring post-reintroduction aims to support the long-term viability of cheetah populations.

Dr. Qurban noted the symbolic significance of the cheetah cubs' birth, particularly since cheetahs have been extinct in the Arabian Peninsula for over four decades. Recent discoveries of cheetah mummies in northern Saudi Arabia, dating back thousands of years, further underscore the region's historical role as a habitat for these majestic animals, motivating continued restoration efforts.

Aligned with best international practices, the strategy is structured across multiple phases. The initial phase focuses on breeding programs, habitat conservation, and environmental assessments. Subsequent phases will include experimental releases of captive-bred cheetahs into the wild, followed by broader reintroduction efforts supported by comprehensive population monitoring.

The launch of the National Cheetah Conservation Strategy represents Saudi Arabia's proactive stance in biodiversity conservation and underscores its commitment to preserving its natural heritage for future generations. With the birth of these four cheetah cubs as a promising beginning, Saudi Arabia aims to reestablish a thriving cheetah population, contributing to global efforts in wildlife conservation and ecological sustainability.

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