NAJRAN: Najran Gov. Prince Jalawi bin Abdul Aziz bin Musaed on Wednesday launched a number of rehabilitation projects to restore wildlife at the southern Saudi nature reserve of Uruq Bani Ma’arid.  During the event, wild animals including 22 Arabian oryx, 10 reem antelopes, and 5 human antelopes were released into the sanctuary as part of a national program to reintroduce and resettle endangered species in protected areas of the Kingdom. In a speech, the governor said Uruq Bani Ma’arid is the first model national reserve in the Kingdom. Among the projects launched were natural world heritage programs and green areas, protection and monitoring using modern technology, redistributing protection ranges, preparation of a detailed plan for environmental sanitation, scientific research and monitoring mechanisms aimed at protecting wildlife, and a program for local participation, awareness and environmental education.  Newly released Arabian Oryxes are seen at their new sanctuary at Uruq Bani Ma’arid. (SPA)