Latest news with #largeMammals
Asharq Al-Awsat
13-05-2025
- Science
- Asharq Al-Awsat
KAUST Study: More Large Mammals Roamed Arabian Peninsula than Previously Thought
A new study by researchers at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), published in the Journal of Biogeography, has identified 15 large mammal species that inhabited the Arabian Peninsula over the past 10,000 years - three times more than previously recognized. According to KAUST, this study offers the most comprehensive list to date of large mammals from this period and establishes a benchmark for rewilding efforts in the region. It also serves as a key scientific reference supporting the objectives of the Saudi Green Initiative and the Middle East Green Initiative, as well as the programs of the National Center for Wildlife (NCW) and the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification. "Restoration is not just about plants, for animals play a key role in vegetation communities. In highlighting which large mammals became extinct, we are providing information that will help governments decide which mammals to reintroduce in the future,' said KAUST senior project manager and contributor to the study Christopher Clarke. During the study, researchers analyzed thousands of petroglyphs (ancient rock carvings) collected during field expeditions as well as from shared social media content, which gave researchers access to a large collection of petroglyphs unknown to the scientific community. The study revealed that most of the 15 mammal species come from Africa, including lions and cheetahs, and identified two species never previously recorded in the Arabian Peninsula: the greater kudu and the Somali wild donkey. This study aligns with national efforts to restore ecological balance, particularly in light of the pioneering initiatives launched by NCW, including the reintroduction programs for the Arabian oryx and the cheetah.
Arab News
12-05-2025
- Science
- Arab News
More large mammals once roamed Saudi Arabia than previously thought
RIYADH: Three times more large mammal species once roamed Saudi Arabia than previously thought, according to a new study. The research, conducted in Thuwal, identifies 15 large mammal species that inhabited the Arabian Peninsula over the last 10,000 years. It was published on May 12 in the Journal of Biogeography by researchers from King Abdullah University of Science and Technology and Taibah University. The findings have potential implications for rewilding efforts in the Kingdom, KAUST said in a statement. Among the identified species, the majority hail from Africa, including notable predators like lions and cheetahs. The study also highlights two new species previously unrecognized in the region: the greater kudu and the Somali wild ass. Currently, the Arabian Peninsula has successfully reintroduced the Arabian oryx and has plans to reintroduce the cheetah. However, the other 13 species will require careful evaluation to determine their potential for reintroduction. 'Restoration efforts extend beyond vegetation; animals are essential to maintaining healthy ecosystems,' emphasized Christopher Clarke, senior project manager at KAUST and a key contributor to the study. 'By identifying the large mammals that have gone extinct, we provide crucial data for governments to consider which species could be reintroduced in the future.' To reach their findings, Clarke and his colleague, Sultan M. Al-Sharif, an associate professor at Taibah University, meticulously analyzed thousands of petroglyphs — ancient rock carvings — gathered from scientific expeditions, published resources, and even social media, where amateur archaeologists have shared their discoveries. This approach enabled the researchers to access a wealth of petroglyphs previously unknown to the scientific community. 'Our research reveals that the Arabian Peninsula was far more diverse in large mammals than previously imagined,' said Al-Sharif.
