Rafha, June (پاکستان پوائنٹ نیوز 30 يونيو 2026ء) Among the species found in the reserve are desert lizards that inhabit wild shrubs, as well as the spiny-tailed lizard (dhub). These reptiles exemplify wildlife’s remarkable ability to adapt to the harsh conditions of sandy and semi-desert environments, including extreme temperatures and limited water resources.
Desert reptiles perform several important ecological functions. They help maintain the natural balance by regulating populations of insects and some other invertebrates, while also serving as a key link in the food chain that supports many birds of prey and wild mammals.
The desert plants and shrubs across the reserve provide these reptiles with safe natural shelters, protecting them from predators and helping regulate their body temperature. They also serve as vantage points from which reptiles can observe their surroundings and search for food.
As part of its ongoing efforts to protect the environment and expand vegetation cover, the reserve conserves natural habitats for wildlife. It implements environmental monitoring and field-survey programs to promote the sustainability of biodiversity and protect native species in their natural habitats.
Covering an area of 91,500 square kilometers, the reserve is the second-largest royal reserve by area in Saudi Arabia. It is home to a rich diversity of plant and animal species, making it a key pillar in advancing the Kingdom’s environmental conservation and wildlife development goals under Saudi Vision 2030.
