Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — A groundbreaking discovery has been made by the National Center for Wildlife (NCW), as a new species of scorpion from the Leiurus genus was identified in the Majami Al-Hadb Reserve, located in southern Riyadh.

The revelation, backed by comprehensive shape and genetic analyses, has been documented in specialized international wildlife journals, highlighting the significance of this find.

Distinguished from other scorpion species within the Kingdom, this discovery elevates the total known global species count to 22, with five of them thriving in Saudi Arabia.

The prestigious scientific journal Zookeys showcased this newfound scorpion in its Sept. 7, 2023, edition, and the species has been officially added to the Zoobank and Genbank lists.

The National Centre for Wildlife is actively engaged in determining the prevalence of this species, conducting assessments of its future status.

This initiative is a pivotal component of the center's commitment to wildlife conservation, playing a vital role in maintaining the environmental balance and biodiversity of the Kingdom.