After nearly a century, the red-necked ostrich is back in Saudi Arabia’s deserts. Known historically as the “camel bird,” this critically endangered species vanished from the Arabian landscape in the early 1900s. Now, it has been reintroduced to the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve. Once common, the Arabian ostrich was famous for its speed and strength, appearing in Arabic poetry. Overhunting and loss of habitat caused its extinction. Today, old sandstone carvings in the reserve show ostriches and hunting scenes from the past. The red-necked ostrich, also called the North African or Barbary ostrich, is the closest relative to the extinct Arabian ostrich. Five birds have been released into the 24,500 km² reserve to help bring back the ecosystem. Ostriches are more than just desert birds. They spread seeds, control insects, and keep lands healthy. Less than 1,000 red-necked ostriches remain wild in Africa. This reintroduction supports Saudi national breeding and restoration programs led by the National Center for Wildlife with help from NEOM, Aramco, and others. The Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve covers diverse lands from lava fields to the Red Sea. It holds over half of Saudi Arabia’s species and 15 unique ecosystems. The reserve has already reintroduced 12 out of 23 previously lost species, including the Arabian oryx and gazelles. Andrew Zaloumis, the reserve’s CEO, said, "Restoring lost species or their equivalents is essential for fully rehabilitating desert ecosystems." The return of the ostrich is a landmark in this effort. This project fits Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 and the Saudi Green Initiative, which aim to protect 30% of the land and sea by 2030. By bringing back the “camel bird,” the Kingdom connects to its natural heritage and pushes forward its ecological goals.