Saudi Arabia revives endangered fish after 30-year disappearance
Breeding breakthrough achieves high survival rate as scientists prepare first reintroductions to restore freshwater ecosystems under Vision 2030 goals
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (MNTV) — Saudi scientists have successfully revived the critically endangered Arabian Bream, a freshwater species absent from the wild for nearly 30 years, through a joint conservation program aimed at restoring biodiversity in the Kingdom’s wadi ecosystems.
The initiative, led by the National Center for Wildlife in collaboration with King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), has achieved a 90% survival rate in controlled breeding conditions and is preparing for initial reintroductions by 2027.
According to Arab News, the researchers say the program marks a major shift in conservation strategy, moving beyond habitat protection toward active off-site breeding and population rebuilding for endangered native species.
The Arabian Bream was first recorded in the Kingdom in the 1980s but largely disappeared due to severe habitat loss, with scientists estimating an 82–88% reduction in its natural range over recent decades driven by recurring drought and climate stress.
Field surveys conducted between 2023 and 2024 identified fewer than 2,500 mature fish across limited remaining habitats, while remote sensing studies mapped more than 20 potential recovery sites across western Saudi Arabia.
The breeding program began with the collection of around 80 broodstock fish from wadis including Khaybar and Al-Ghars.
These have since produced over 2,000 juvenile fish under controlled aquaculture systems, with researchers developing specialized feeding protocols to support healthy growth.
Scientists involved in the project said natural survival rates in the wild are extremely low compared to hatchery conditions due to predation and environmental instability, making controlled breeding essential for species recovery.
The Arabian Himr, another endangered freshwater species, is also included in the broader conservation effort, with broodstock collection expected to expand in the coming months.
Officials say the project aligns with Saudi Arabia’s National Biodiversity Strategy and Vision 2030 environmental targets, which aim to reduce extinction risks for a significant share of threatened species through targeted intervention and ecosystem restoration.
Beyond species recovery, researchers expect the reintroduction of the Arabian Bream to help restore ecological balance in wadi environments by improving water quality and supporting broader food chains involving birds and insects.
Experimental releases are planned for late 2026 or early 2027, pending habitat restoration and regulatory approvals, marking what scientists describe as a shift from research to active ecological restoration.
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