Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Reserve: Rich Ecological Diversity from Dunes to Valleys and Floodplains

   Rafha, September 5, 2026, SPA -- The Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Reserve, located in the northeast of Saudi Arabia, spans 91,500 square kilometers, making it the second-largest royal reserve in the Kingdom. It encompasses a vast geographical area with diverse terrain and natural habitats, ranging from dunes, plains, mountains, plateaus, and steppes to valleys and floodplains, enriching its plant and wildlife diversity.
   This topographical diversity forms the basis for the reserve's varied habitats. Dunes occupy the largest area and support a variety of desert plants. Valleys and seasonal watercourses provide suitable environments for the growth of woody plants, while floodplains are natural depressions where rainwater and surface runoff collect during wet seasons, contributing to the richness of vegetation cover.
   The reserve's natural richness extends to its plant life, which includes hundreds of species belonging to dozens of plant families. This diversity is linked to the varied topography and diverse environmental and climatic conditions across its vast expanse.
   These diverse environments provide multiple habitats for wildlife, encompassing hundreds of species, including mammals, birds, and reptiles, as well as numerous invertebrates. This underscores the reserve's importance in conserving biodiversity and maintaining the natural balance of ecosystems.
   The Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Reserve Development Authority works to protect and enhance this diversity through programs aimed at restoring natural habitats, developing vegetation cover, and reintroducing plant and animal species. These programs also include regulating human activities to minimize their impact on the environment and preserve and sustainably manage natural resources.
   -- SPA