How Saudi Arabia’s Hunting Laws Protect Their Wildlife

RIYADH: Far removed from the wild tundra of Alaska and the vast grasslands of South Africa, Saudi Arabia still offers hunters and falconers a thrilling hunting experience. Hunting has been a popular activity in the country for many years, attracting locals and tourists alike.

However, hunting can also have a serious negative impact on native wildlife. Overhunting in the past has led to serious declines in many species, from the Arabian leopard to the ibex and the oryx.

In recent times, the Kingdom has introduced strict rules and regulations for hunting animals, among many other environmentally friendly measures, in order to ensure the sustainability of wildlife species and protect endangered species.

Hunting laws and regulations

In Saudi Arabia, individuals who wish to hunt must first obtain the necessary permits from the authorities. There are two main types of hunting permits available: recreational permits for personal use and commercial permits for hunting activities conducted for profit.

Certain hunting practices are strictly prohibited, such as the use of automatic weapons, hunting during breeding seasons, and targeting endangered species. There are also bag limits and size restrictions for various game species to prevent over-hunting and maintain healthy population levels.

Additionally, safety regulations, such as wearing appropriate hunting gear and observing firearm safety, are enforced to protect both hunters and the environment.

Violators of these laws can expect fines and confiscation of their hunting gear. Hunting without a license with firearms will cost violators $21,300. Poaching or hunting protected species can result in significant fines and even jail time.

Law enforcement and supervision

These laws and regulations are enforced by Saudi Arabia’s Special Forces for Environmental Security, or SFES. Using modern technology and social media, SFES has expanded its reach, allowing it to intervene in illegal activities such as hunting, logging and the sale of wildlife, thereby protecting the country’s rich biological diversity.

Patrol activities have been launched in several provinces to ensure compliance with conservation laws, reflecting a proactive approach to wildlife management. This month, the SFES announced the arrest of two Saudi nationals for hunting without a permit in the King Salman Royal Natural Reserve.

The SFES also monitors compliance with the kingdom’s other environmental laws, including rules against illegal logging and grazing of livestock in prohibited areas.

Protected species and eco-friendly refuges

Several species of animals are protected under special laws, including endangered species such as the Arabian leopard, Arabian wolf and the land bird known as the houbara bustard. Through the implementation of hunting regulations, the country has seen the resurgence of populations of endangered species such as the famous Arabian oryx.

Abdulmajeed Al-Dhaban, executive vice-chairman of the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Nature Reserve’s operational department, praised the kingdom’s strict hunting laws and stressed the central role they play in protecting the region’s natural environment.

Established in 2018, the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Nature Reserve is an ecotourism reserve covering over 91,000 square kilometers dedicated to protecting the more than 180 plant and 60 animal species living within its boundaries.

The reserve is also governed by a comprehensive set of regulations covering beekeeping, access and passage, grazing, visiting and camping, recreational activities and sustainable fishing.

“By establishing these integrated guidelines, we aim to strike a careful balance between preserving the reserve’s fragile ecosystems and allowing controlled public access and use. Our goal is to protect the natural wonders of this protected area while facilitating responsible enjoyment and appreciation by the local community and visitors,” Al-Dhaban told Arab News.

The reserve was used for a groundbreaking conservation program: the reintroduction of the Arabian oryx, which had been extinct in the wild since 1972. Since its inception in 2021, the program has returned hundreds of oryx to their natural habitat.

Community Involvement

Saudi Arabia is also involved in joint conservation projects with organizations such as the World Wildlife Fund and the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

However, those in the kingdom committed to conservation stress the need for a community-based approach that also involves Saudi Arabia’s citizens.

“At Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Reserve Development Authority, we are committed to raising environmental awareness and involving the community in our initiatives,” said Al-Dhaban.

“Our goal is to contribute to sustainable development and environmental protection through a diverse range of beneficial projects. We firmly believe that empowering the community to participate in these efforts is the key to making a lasting, positive impact.”

The main priority of the Authority is to preserve the heritage for future generations. We do this through initiatives, projects and events organised throughout the year, in which people of all ages participate.

“Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Reserve Development Authority would like to raise awareness among young people and children about the importance of preserving the purity of nature and foster their sense of responsibility from an early age towards the environment, wild animals and innate organisms, the attack of which is contrary to religious values ​​and human principles. Simplified awareness content is provided explaining the importance of preserving wild animals and flora and the individual’s responsibility towards the environment,” Al-Dhaban said.

Throughout the year, the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Reserve Development Authority organizes numerous events, such as the Zubaida Trail Winter Festival and celebrations of holidays such as Eid Al-Adha. These events include many activities that combine environmental awareness, education and recreation for the whole family.

One of the authority’s most recent projects, launched in May in partnership with the National Centre for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification, is a tree-planting initiative involving primary school students.

“This was not the first time that the reserve organised reforestation and seedling cultivation initiatives with the participation of community volunteers, as the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Reserve has grown more than 600,000 trees to date,” Al-Dhaban said.

Ecotourism

As Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector grows in line with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, the trend towards ecotourism in the country is also growing.

The Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Reserve Development Authority supports productive families and entrepreneurs through interactive initiatives aimed at developing vocational skills. These initiatives in turn contribute to the protection of the natural environment, biodiversity and environmental balance, the promotion and preservation of community heritage and the revival of ecotourism.

Connecting with animals and their habitats is essential to fostering greater appreciation for nature and wildlife, protecting the environment, and improving personal well-being through interactions with nature.

In Saudi Arabia, some conservation efforts have taken a unique approach by opening resorts in these habitats. Led by the Sustainable Tourism Global Center, announced by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the 2021 COP26 conference, Saudi companies are aiming to build luxury resorts and lodges to promote eco-friendly adventure and agritourism.

These resorts offer a combination of luxurious accommodations and immersive nature experiences, allowing guests to appreciate the power and beauty of Saudi Arabia’s diverse natural environments, while hopefully instilling a sense of care for their preservation for future generations.