Elaborate arrangements are being made by the National Commission for Wildlife Conservation and Development (NCWCD) to celebrate its 20th anniversary. To mark the occasion, the commission will release captive bred species to the wild, prepare a documentary to highlight its achievements, publish a book and hold an international conference to exchange experiences in the field of wildlife conservation. Dr. Abdulaziz Abu Zinada, secretary-general of the commission, released a group of Arabian oryx to the wild at Mahzat As Sayd Protected Area in Taif yesterday. "These species were bred at our research centers and we re-introduce them to their natural habitats," Dr. Abu Zinada told Arab News. The program was started at the National Wildlife Center in Taif in 1986. The first release of the birds and animals took place in 1990. "Thanks to the captive breeding program, we have recorded more than 450 Arabian oryx at the Mahzat As Sayd Reserve," Dr. Abu Zinada said, adding that the rangers have also spotted 13 nests of houbara bustards in the same reserve.
