The Farasan Islands in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are famous for being a distinctive destination for diving and marine adventure enthusiasts, but they are also distinguished by their richness in wildlife and environmental diversity. One of the most prominent creatures that these islands host is the Persian antelope, which is one of the rarest mammals in the world.
This small antelope is also known as the "Edam gazelle" or "Farsan gazelle", and its presence is limited to the Farasan Islands Reserve. (Watch the video above)
A combination of unique characteristics and adaptations has earned it an exceptional status among other antelope species. The geographical isolation of these islands contributed to this, which was reflected in its physical and behavioral characteristics, as it is characterized by its small size, high speed, and extreme caution compared to other antelopes.
In an interview with CNN Arabic, the director of the Prince Saud Al-Faisal Center for Wildlife Research, Dr. Abdullah Al-Salem, explained that the isolated ecosystems and unique characteristics of the islands helped shape this exceptional species, making it unique in the world.
Al-Salem said, "The isolation that occurred, and the morphological, genetic, and behavioral adaptations that the deer underwent, were the result of environmental changes on the island and the scarcity of some food resources."
Challenges threatening the survival of the rare Persian antelope
The Persian antelope faces a number of challenges that make it a threatened species, the most prominent of which are urban expansion, accidental road accidents, and the emergence of some diseases, in addition to the spread of exotic plants that may affect the vegetation on which it depends for food.
Al-Salem pointed to some negative human practices, such as throwing waste into the natural environment.
Despite the impact of these threats on the numbers of antelope on the islands, Salem stressed that the sensitive nature of the island ecosystems makes any environmental change directly reflect on the various living organisms in them.
He explained, "Given the sensitivity of the ecosystems on the islands, any disturbance in them will negatively affect their organisms, whether the elk or other organisms that share the same habitat."
A success story in breeding centers
Al-Salem pointed out that the numbers of antelope may increase in some years as a result of improved environmental conditions, while they may decrease in other years due to the effects of climate and various environmental variables.
However, the Persian antelope population is stable thanks to the protection efforts implemented by the National Center for Wildlife Development.
Al-Salem said: “According to the latest annual census, there are more than 1,200 Persian antelope on Greater Farasan Island. This is evidence of the integrity of the environmental systems and habitats that incubate the Persian antelope.”
These efforts include establishing a “breeding nucleus” for Persian antelope within breeding centers.
The program launched in 2020 with a herd of 50 Persian antelope, before the numbers rose to more than 170 antelope inside the breeding centers.
Al-Salem explained, “The goal of the propagation process is to enhance the genetic diversity of this species and re-release it within its environments according to its historical and geographical distribution within these islands.”
Modern technologies to protect it
The specialized team relies on a set of modern technologies in monitoring and census operations, including remote sensing systems, satellite tracking systems, trap cameras, and drones, in addition to field surveys and fixed observation points managed by rovers in the field.
Tourists' entry into the island is also organized according to specific controls.
Al-Salem stressed that "the goal of all these operations and analysis of this data is to make the appropriate decision at the appropriate time in order to preserve it and ensure its sustainability for future generations within the Farasan Islands Reserve."
