RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s National Center for Wildlife has launched a new phase in its program to address the growing numbers of baboons in several areas of the Kingdom. The campaign to remove the animal from urban and agricultural areas aims to prevent attacks from baboons, and environmental damage. The problem is being addressed through a package of measures based on scientific studies previously implemented with the participation of local and international experts. The measures include the removal of baboons from populated areas and ensuring that the problem does not recur through the implementation of a set of proposals approved by relevant international organizations. The NCW has also announced the wholly successful conclusion of operations aimed at addressing the number of baboons at holy sites.  The organization recognized the collaborative efforts of several sectors in addressing the problem, while highlighting the improvement of community awareness, which has helped to reduce the instances of the public feeding baboons. The NCW’s program targeting the animal was launched last year, and workshops were organized to help find solutions. Field survey teams participating in the program were trained by experts on the methods of collecting and analyzing information and data, and on techniques of dealing with baboons.