Like a Scene from a Safari.. Saudi Arabia Witnesses the First Births of the Spotted Hyena

- The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia announced the birth of new spotted hyenas in a new environmental achievement. According to a statement published on the official website of the Saudi Press Agency "SPA" on Monday, the National Center for Wildlife Development documented the first births of the spotted hyena in collaboration with NEOM after the reintroduction of four individuals of the species into the NEOM Nature Reserve, indicating their adaptation to the reserve's environment and their ability to reproduce in the wild.

This comes as part of the Center's programs for breeding and reintroducing wild species, including predatory species, and supporting the restoration of their natural roles in ecosystems. This followed the selection of a pair of spotted hyenas and their subjection to a rehabilitation and care program at the Center's rescue facility before their release, which included veterinary examinations, health monitoring, and preparing the animals for transition to the natural environment. A specialized team from the Center also conducted a field assessment of the reintroduction site to verify its readiness and environmental suitability for receiving the hyenas.

In November 2025, the hyenas were transferred to the NEOM Nature Reserve under the supervision of the Center's veterinary teams and were released in prepared locations within the reserve. Their monitoring continued using tracking collars, field cameras, and field observations, alongside the implementation of a studied feeding plan coordinated between the Center and NEOM to enhance the hyenas' natural feeding behavior and support their adaptation to habitat conditions after release. With ongoing monitoring efforts, teams documented the female hyena emerging from the den with her cub for the first time in August.

The mother exhibited natural behavior in caring for and protecting her cub, which is in good health. Specialized teams continue to monitor its condition and growth, according to the statement.

Dr. Mohammed Ali Qurban, CEO of the National Center for Wildlife Development, explained that the registration of the first birth of the spotted hyena after its reintroduction represents an important milestone in the programs for breeding and reintroducing wild species. It reflects the integration of scientific work that begins with breeding and rehabilitation and extends to habitat assessment, site selection, and continuous monitoring after release. He also noted that the Center has achieved significant results in breeding spotted hyenas under human care, evidenced by the registration of several cub births in its breeding centers.

The striped hyena plays an important ecological role by feeding on dead animals and carrion, while its numbers in some areas of its range have declined due to several threats, the most prominent of which are hunting and poisoning.