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Sharaan Nature Reserve

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Sharaan Nature Reserve
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Sharaan Nature Reserve is a natural protected area in al-Ula Governorate, in al-Madinah-al Munawarah Province, western Saudi Arabia. It adheres to specific commitments based on international standards, aiming to provide suitable natural habitats, protect the region's biodiversity, and preserve its natural elements.

Sharaan Nature Reserve Location

The reserve is located within the eastern valley of al-Ula, which is naturally diverse and characterized by red rock canyons, steep and vast valleys, dense sandy formations, and rocky plateau desert areas.

Rehabilitation of the Reserve

In 2019, Crown Prince, Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Royal Commission for al-Ula, His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, launched the Sharaan Natural Reserve to restore its natural ecosystem and reintroduce native species to the reserve.

Flora and Fauna in Sharaan Nature Reserve

Sharaan Nature Reserve is originally home to various native plant species, including Acacia, Poaceae, Haloxylon, and Retama, alongside rare plant species such as thyme. The area is home to various types of animals, including Arabian leopards, Nubian ibexes, ostriches, gazelles, Arabian wolves, and red foxes. Additionally, rock hyraxes, desert hares, laughing doves, and sand partridges reside in the habitat, along with various predatory birds like eagles, falcons, and long-legged buzzards.

Sharaan Nature Reserve falls within the responsibilities of the Arabian Leopard Fund, which is an endangered leopard subspecies. Studies indicate that only about 250 tigers of this type still exist, living in separate parts of the Arab world, including this reserve.