Uruq Bani Ma'arid Reserve (Mahmiyat Uruq Bani Ma'arid)

Uruq Bani Ma'arid Reserve is located in the south of Saudi Arabia, between the Al-Aridh Mountains (Jibal Al-Aridh), which are part of the Tuwaiq Mountains (Jibal Tuwaiq), from the west, and the sandy dunes (Al-Uruq) from the east, spanning the Riyadh and Najran regions.

It was established as a protected area in 1406 AH/1986 CE, and then officially declared a reserve in 1413 AH / 1992 CE, with a total area of 11,980 km² and a perimeter reaching 460 km.

It is one of the most important natural habitats for wildlife in the Kingdom where over 104 bird species have been recorded. The diverse vegetation cover includes Samar, Sarh, Ghada, Athmoom, Talh (Acacia), Al-Ban, Harmal, Al-Tarfa, and Al-Ushar trees, in addition to shrubs and seasonal grasses.

The reserve was the last place the Arabian Oryx (Al-Maha Al-Arabi) was sighted before its extinction in 1979. Since the 1990s, reintroduction efforts have successfully begun, with over 57 individuals released between 1995 and 1996, and their numbers exceeded 150 by 2000 CE.

The Reem Gazelle (Dama Gazelle) was also successfully reintroduced, increasing in number to about 900 gazelles, and the Idmi Gazelle (Mountain Gazelle) to over 90 heads during the same period.

In addition, the reserve hosts various mammal species such as the Wild Rabbit, Rock Hyrax (Wabar) Arabian Wolf, Striped Hyena, Sand Cat, and Sand Fox, along with reptiles like the Dhabb and Monitor Lizard (Warl). Bird species include the Houbara Bustard, Grey Shrike, Sandgrouse (Qata), Arabian Partridge (Hajal), Egyptian Vulture, and several species of larks.