The findings, published on Wednesday in the journal Current Biology, link the losses to devastating floods and landslides triggered by Cyclone Senyar, which struck northern Sumatra in November and caused widespread destruction across the region.

The storm killed more than 1,200 people and damaged over 180,000 homes in three provinces. Environmental organizations previously attributed the scale of the disaster partly to extensive deforestation in affected areas.

Researchers found that approximately 58 Tapanuli orangutans were killed in landslides across the Batang Toru ecosystem, the only known habitat of the critically endangered species. Fewer than 800 individuals are believed to remain in the wild.

Using satellite imagery, scientists identified about 8,300 hectares affected by landslides in the Batang Toru region following the extreme rainfall event. The study concluded that orangutans likely died from falling trees, burial under landslides and drowning during prolonged flooding.

The authors said the estimate was conservative because the analysis covered only landslides in western Batang Toru and excluded indirect impacts such as food shortages and canopy destruction that may also have increased mortality.

“Our findings provide quantitative evidence that extreme rainfall events can directly threaten great ape survival,” the researchers wrote.

They warned that the deaths represent a significant demographic setback for a species characterized by slow reproduction rates and high sensitivity to population losses.

Previous scientific assessments have suggested that the Tapanuli orangutan, identified as a distinct species in 2017, could face extinction if annual population declines exceed 1%.

The study adds to growing evidence linking biodiversity threats to climate change. Researchers previously found that human-induced climate change increased Cyclone Senyar’s rainfall intensity by between 10% and 50%, amplifying the likelihood and severity of landslides.

Friederike Otto, a climate scientist at Imperial College London and co-author of the study, said the findings illustrate how climate change and biodiversity loss are becoming increasingly interconnected.

She said human-driven warming transformed a severe tropical storm into a catastrophic trigger for landslides that devastated both human communities and wildlife populations.

The researchers urged immediate conservation measures to protect the Batang Toru ecosystem, warning that continued habitat degradation combined with climate-related disasters could accelerate the species’ decline.

Jatna Supriatna, a biology professor at Universitas Indonesia and co-author of the study, called for permanent protection of the Batang Toru forest and greater international financial support for biodiversity recovery efforts.

He said stronger conservation action is essential to prevent what could become the first modern extinction of a great ape species.

The warning came after Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama told Reuters that his government would proceed with plans for the development despite growing protests over its potential environmental impact on a sensitive stretch of coastline in southern Albania.

The project, linked to Kushner and Ivanka Trump through Kushner’s investment firm Affinity Partners, has become a focal point of public opposition. Demonstrators argue that the development threatens an ecologically important coastal area that serves as a migratory stopover for flamingos and other bird species.

Speaking on Tuesday, European Commission spokesperson Guillaume Mercier said Albania must avoid actions that could jeopardize its progress toward meeting EU accession requirements.

“Albania should refrain from action that could undermine the fulfilment of the closing benchmark, and we expect the Albanian authorities to act without delay,” Mercier said, adding that the Commission remained in contact with Albanian authorities regarding the issue.

The dispute comes as the European Union advances discussions on enlargement, with Albania among the countries identified as potential candidates for membership by 2030, provided they align domestic legislation and regulatory frameworks with EU standards, including environmental protections.

Protests against the resort have intensified in recent weeks in Tirana and along Albania’s southern coastline. Activists have dubbed the movement the “Flamingo Revolution,” reflecting concerns that construction could affect wildlife habitats in the area.

The demonstrations have also evolved into a broader expression of discontent among some opposition groups regarding aspects of Rama’s 13-year tenure in office.

Rama dismissed suggestions that the project would undermine environmental safeguards, saying authorities remained committed to protecting biodiversity and natural habitats. He said an environmental impact assessment would be completed before the project moves forward.

“We are very proud of what we have done for the wildlife in Albania. The European Commission has no reason to doubt our firm will to protect whatever has to be protected when it comes to wildlife and nature,” Rama told Reuters.

Affinity Partners, which is expected to develop the resort, did not respond to Reuters requests for comment.

The controversy highlights the growing tension between economic development ambitions and environmental obligations facing countries seeking accession to the European Union, where compliance with environmental legislation forms a key component of membership negotiations.

The mural, titled “Whaling Wall 82,” covered about 17,000 square feet and had been displayed on the building since 1999. Workers began painting over it last month, prompting public backlash and an online petition seeking protection for the artwork.

Filed in federal court in Dallas, the lawsuit claims the mural was destroyed without the artist’s consent or prior notice, violating the U.S. Visual Artists Rights Act, which protects works of recognized stature from destruction.

Wyland argues that organizers “irreversibly destroyed a civic landmark” to promote the 2026 FIFA World Cup. FIFA denied involvement, with a spokesperson saying the organization had “no involvement in this whatsoever.”

Local World Cup organizers have said new artwork is planned to reflect the tournament’s significance, while preserving part of the original mural. Dallas is scheduled to host nine World Cup matches, the most of any host city in the United States.

Police and emergency officials responded after Fukushima Steel Works reported that two employees had been attacked by a bear in the Sasakino district of Fukushima City. Security camera footage released by the company showed a black bear chasing a worker near an entrance before knocking him to the ground and moving further into the facility.

The bear subsequently injured a second employee at the steel works and later attacked another male worker at a separate company nearby, according to the Fukushima City Fire Department. An elderly woman living in the neighborhood was also injured in the attacks.

Authorities said the three male victims, all company employees, suffered minor injuries, while the woman, in her 80s, sustained moderate injuries. None of the injuries were considered life-threatening.

As of Tuesday afternoon, the bear had not been captured and was believed to remain inside the grounds of a nearby company. Police officers maintained a perimeter around the site while carrying long poles and other equipment as the search continued.

The incident prompted precautionary measures in the area, including the closure of two nearby schools. Noda Elementary School shifted classes online and advised residents to avoid unnecessary travel while the animal remained at large.

The attack comes amid a sharp rise in bear-related incidents across Japan. The Environment Ministry said 13 people were killed in more than 230 bear attacks in 2025, the highest annual toll recorded in the country.

Growing bear populations, combined with demographic changes in rural Japan, have contributed to the increase in encounters, according to government officials and wildlife experts. Many affected regions face shrinking and aging populations, resulting in fewer trained hunters and wildlife management personnel.

In March, the government estimated Japan’s bear population at approximately 57,800 animals and adopted a management roadmap aimed at controlling numbers in areas of heightened human-bear interaction. The plan calls for tripling the number of municipal bear-control staff to 2,500 within five years and doubling the number of bear traps deployed nationwide.

Concerns over bear activity have also spread beyond traditionally affected rural areas. Recent sightings have been reported in Tokyo’s western suburbs, including the popular hiking region of Okutama, where local authorities have increased trapping efforts and issued public alerts.

The government has expanded public-awareness campaigns urging hikers, foragers and outdoor enthusiasts to monitor bear warnings and avoid activity during dawn and dusk, when bears are typically most active.

Environment Ministry guidance advises people who encounter a bear to remain calm, avoid sudden movements and refrain from running. In the event of an attack, the ministry recommends curling into a protective position and shielding the neck to reduce the risk of fatal injuries.

A growing number of rewilding projects across Britain are reporting significant ecological improvements, prompting calls for greater recognition of the approach within national nature recovery strategies.

One of the projects highlighting those gains is Heal Somerset, a rewilding site in southwest England that has documented increases in wildlife populations and habitat diversity since restoration efforts began three years ago.According to Heal Rewilding, the charity behind the project, monitoring data show measurable changes in biodiversity across the site.

The number of small mammal species recorded has increased from three to five over the period, while a range of habitats has developed as former agricultural land has been allowed to recover.The project is supported by more than 250 volunteers who contribute to ecological surveys, removal of barbed-wire fencing and other restoration activities.

Community engagement forms a central part of the initiative, with the charity working alongside 15 underserved groups involved in managing and maintaining the site.Participants include people living with dementia, individuals with additional needs and those experiencing financial hardship.

Schools and youth organizations also take part in educational and conservation activities.The site has become an increasingly popular destination for visitors seeking access to natural landscapes undergoing ecological recovery.

Heal Rewilding founder Jan Stannard said many older visitors describe the experience as a reminder of landscapes that were once more common in Britain before decades of agricultural intensification.“An increasing number of people are coming either as visitors or camping and if they are older they are being transported back to a childhood experience of abundance that they will not get in the farmed countryside,” Stannard said.

She said visitors frequently report hearing insects and bird species that have become less common in many agricultural areas.“They are hearing grasshoppers and crickets in the day and birds such as linnet or greenfinch, which are much less common now,” she said.

The ecological transformation has also been evident to staff working on the project since its early stages.Dan Hill, a 25-year-old rewilding ranger who joined Heal Somerset three years ago, recalled arriving when large areas of the site were dominated by rye grass.“I remember seeing the monoculture of rye grass swaying in the wind and thinking, crikey, it’s desolate,” Hill said.He said the pace of ecological change had exceeded his expectations.

“Three years has flown by and so much has changed. It’s incredibly exciting. I’m learning so much,” he said.Hill described the project as evidence of the capacity of ecosystems to recover when human intervention is reduced and natural processes are allowed to re-establish themselves.“Seeing what nature wants to do – it’s very hopeful,” he said.

He added that public response has been an important part of the project’s success.“When you get people coming to the site and they say: ‘I just want to keep coming back, I’ve never seen a site like this before,’ it really puts a smile on your face,” Hill said.Among the features attracting attention are natural wetland systems created by beavers.

The rodents have become increasingly common across eastern Somerset and are widely viewed by conservationists as important ecosystem engineers because of their ability to create ponds and wetlands that benefit a range of species.Heal Rewilding said its latest report was motivated in part by what it viewed as limited coverage of rewilding initiatives in the 2023 UK-wide State of Nature report.

The charity argues that while rewilding has expanded rapidly across Britain, evidence documenting outcomes has not always been systematically collected or incorporated into broader assessments of biodiversity recovery.

“We were struck by how little attention was given to rewilding, despite the extraordinary growth of the movement,” Stannard said.“There are now hundreds of rewilding projects across Britain and many report seeing remarkable ecological changes.”She said the sector must increasingly rely on scientific monitoring and measurable outcomes if rewilding is to become a more prominent component of environmental policy.

“Stories alone are not enough,” Stannard said. “If rewilding is to be fully recognised within national nature recovery strategies, we need robust evidence of its impact.”

The report forms part of a broader effort by conservation groups to demonstrate how rewilding projects can contribute to biodiversity restoration while also delivering social and educational benefits through community participation and public access to recovering landscapes.

A little-known stone structure in northwest England has been added to the country’s list of protected heritage sites, after officials granted it Grade II* status following an assessment of its architectural and historical significance.

The building, known locally as Henry’s Castle, is located in the Lake District and had most recently been used as a shelter for livestock.The designation was approved by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on the advice of Historic England.

Grade II* status is awarded to structures deemed of “more than special interest” and accounts for approximately 5.8% of all listed buildings in England, placing Henry’s Castle among a relatively small group of protected sites.The listing brings the structure into the same category as prominent landmarks such as Battersea Power Station, Transporter Bridge, and the London Coliseum.

Despite this classification, Henry’s Castle differs significantly in scale and visibility, consisting of a limestone rubble building situated on elevated ground near Kendal, within walking distance of the village of Underbarrow.According to Historic England, research indicates that the structure may date back to the 14th century and exhibits characteristics associated with high-status construction.

However, its original function remains unclear. While it has been used in more recent centuries as a field barn, experts suggest that this was not its initial purpose.Sarah Charlesworth, a listing team leader at Historic England, said the building’s ambiguity contributes to its significance, describing it as an example of a rare structure that continues to prompt unresolved questions about its origins and use.

The building first drew renewed attention during a 2022 site visit by Rose Lord, a built environment adviser with the Lake District National Park Authority. Lord noted that, despite its degraded condition and evidence of long-term agricultural use, several architectural features indicated a more complex history.

She identified elements including a corbelled chimneystack and a corbelled garderobe, features not typically associated with simple agricultural buildings.Interior observations also pointed to earlier domestic or high-status use.

The presence of plastered and limewashed walls, combined with evidence of internal fireplaces and a structured arrangement of openings, suggested a level of design and occupation inconsistent with a standard barn.

Subsequent conservation work, carried out over four years by archaeologists, architects and engineers, focused on stabilising and restoring the structure. Particular attention was given to the roof, which includes an oak truss system described as precisely finished and consistent with high-quality carpentry from the late medieval period.

The craftsmanship of this central truss has been identified as one of the building’s most significant features.Various interpretations of the building’s original function have been proposed, though none have been conclusively established.

Suggestions include its use as a lookout or defensive dwelling, a hunting lodge associated with a deer park, or a seasonal residence of relatively high status. Historic England has also noted similarities with bastles, a type of fortified farmhouse found in the Anglo-Scottish border region and designed to protect inhabitants and livestock from raids.

However, the structure’s location south of the traditional bastle distribution area makes a direct classification unlikely.Historical records indicate that the building underwent changes in use over time. It is believed to have been adapted for domestic occupation during the 16th or 17th century, before being repurposed as a field barn by the 19th century.

Its current name derives from Henry Willison, a former owner.Officials involved in the conservation project described the Grade II* listing as a significant outcome, particularly given that most structures of comparable importance have already been identified in earlier heritage surveys.

The designation ensures legal protection and formal recognition of the site’s architectural and historical value.As part of ongoing efforts to manage and interpret the site, authorities plan to install informational panels outlining current research and findings.

Additional measures include the placement of a nesting box intended to support local owl populations, reflecting an effort to integrate conservation of both built and natural heritage.

The listing of Henry’s Castle highlights the continued identification of historically significant structures within rural landscapes and underscores the role of ongoing research and fieldwork in reassessing buildings that may have been overlooked in previous surveys.

Across large parts of Asia, rising temperatures, rapid urban expansion, and environmental degradation are contributing to a measurable increase in human-wildlife conflict, according to conservation groups and environmental researchers.

From snakebites in rural India to elephant incursions in agricultural zones and leopard sightings in urban peripheries, experts say these incidents reflect deeper ecological disruptions linked to climate variability and land-use change.

Data compiled by the World Health Organization indicates that snakebite envenoming alone remains a major public health issue, with millions of cases reported annually worldwide, disproportionately affecting rural populations.

Environmental scientists note that warmer climates are altering reptile behavior, extending active seasons and expanding habitats into areas with higher human density.India has recorded a steady stream of incidents involving venomous snakes entering residential zones, particularly during unusually warm or erratic weather patterns.

Researchers attribute this to both habitat encroachment and climatic shifts that influence prey availability and breeding cycles. Similar patterns have been observed in parts of Southeast Asia, where deforestation has forced wildlife into closer proximity with human settlements.

Beyond reptiles, large mammals are also increasingly involved in conflict scenarios. Reports from eastern India and parts of Sri Lanka show that elephant populations, traditionally migratory, are encountering barriers such as highways, railways, and expanding farmland. This has led to crop damage, property destruction, and fatalities on both sides.

Conservationists argue that fragmented habitats are disrupting established migration corridors, intensifying interactions.Urbanization is another significant factor. Expanding cities are absorbing forest fringes, creating transitional zones where wildlife adapts to human presence. Leopards in India, for example, have been documented navigating densely populated outskirts, often surviving on stray animals.

While such adaptation demonstrates ecological resilience, it also raises safety concerns.According to United Nations Environment Programme, human-wildlife conflict is emerging as a critical issue globally, driven by population growth, infrastructure development, and climate change.

The agency has emphasized that these interactions are not isolated incidents but part of a broader trend affecting biodiversity and human livelihoods.Government responses have varied. In India, state authorities have implemented measures such as rapid response teams, compensation schemes for affected families, and awareness campaigns aimed at reducing panic and promoting coexistence.

However, experts argue that these measures often address symptoms rather than underlying causes.“Mitigation strategies must include habitat restoration and the preservation of ecological corridors,” said a conservation researcher involved in wildlife tracking programs. “Without addressing land fragmentation, conflicts will continue to escalate.”

Technological interventions are also being explored. Early warning systems using GPS tracking, drone surveillance, and community-based monitoring networks are being deployed in select regions. These systems aim to alert residents to the presence of large animals, reducing the likelihood of surprise encounters.

At the same time, public health systems are under pressure to respond to the medical consequences of these interactions. Snakebite treatment, for instance, remains unevenly distributed, with rural areas often lacking access to timely antivenom. This gap highlights the intersection between environmental change and healthcare infrastructure.

Experts stress that wildlife itself is not the primary driver of these conflicts. Animals typically avoid human interaction and are forced into contact due to shrinking habitats and resource scarcity. From an ecological standpoint, many of these species play essential roles, such as controlling pest populations or maintaining ecosystem balance.The challenge, therefore, lies in balancing development with conservation.

Policymakers are increasingly being urged to integrate environmental considerations into infrastructure planning, particularly in biodiversity-rich regions. Failure to do so could exacerbate both ecological damage and human risk.

As climate models project continued warming and population pressures persist, the frequency and intensity of human-wildlife encounters are expected to rise.

Researchers emphasize that long-term solutions will require coordinated efforts across sectors, including urban planning, conservation policy, and public health systems.

Wearing a helmet fitted with a headlamp and a protective mask, molecular biologist Raúl da Silva Armando Chomela moves through the confined, low-light interiors of cave systems in central Mozambique, examining bat populations and their byproducts as part of a broader scientific effort to understand subterranean ecosystems.

Chomela, originally from the port city of Beira, has spent two years conducting research inside caves located in and around Gorongosa National Park, a 4,000 square kilometre conservation area recognized for its biodiversity.

His work focuses on bats and guano, a substance formed from accumulated bird and bat excrement that serves as a complex biological environment.“Guano is far more than just bat droppings,” Chomela said in an interview, describing it as a dynamic ecosystem.

According to his observations, guano supports a wide range of cave-dwelling organisms, including beetles, amphibians and microorganisms that have adapted to life in conditions without sunlight.

The caves in Gorongosa represent highly specialized environments. Organisms found within them have evolved to survive in stable, low-light conditions with distinct microbiomes that differ significantly from surface ecosystems.

These systems are characterized by limited external input and reliance on internal nutrient cycles, often driven by organic deposits such as guano.Chomela’s research involves entering narrow passages and descending into enclosed spaces using ropes and ladders, often without full knowledge of the terrain or species present.

According to the park’s science department, the cave networks in the region extend across approximately 183 square kilometres, forming interconnected underground systems.

More than 100 bat species have been identified in Gorongosa, although there is no precise data on how many inhabit these caves. One site, known as Tombo Aphale 5, has been extensively studied and hosts an estimated population of over 10,000 bats.

The cave is also the site of an active archaeological excavation, indicating its broader scientific relevance beyond ecological research.Gorongosa National Park was established in 1960 during Portuguese colonial administration.

Following Mozambique’s independence in 1975, conservation was not prioritized under the ruling Frelimo party. Two years later, the park became a strategic location during the country’s civil war, which involved government forces and the insurgent group Renamo.

Renamo, initially formed with support from the Rhodesian government under Ian Smith and later backed by apartheid-era South Africa, operated within the park’s terrain. During the conflict, armed groups relied on wildlife for sustenance, leading to widespread depletion of animal populations.

By the end of the war, which lasted more than 15 years, approximately 95% of the park’s wildlife had been lost, including nearly all of its estimated 5,500 hippos.The effects of the conflict extended beyond environmental damage.

Local communities experienced forced recruitment and other human rights abuses during the war, contributing to long-term social and economic challenges in the region.

In the decades since the conflict ended, Gorongosa has become the focus of sustained conservation and restoration efforts. These initiatives have involved partnerships between international institutions and Mozambican researchers, aiming to rebuild ecosystems and support local development.

One such initiative is the Paleo-Primate Project, established in 2018 as a collaboration between the University of Oxford and Gorongosa National Park. The project is led by Susana Carvalho and integrates research in archaeology, ecology and geology.

It also provides training and employment opportunities for local researchers and students.Carvalho said the broader Gorongosa Restoration Project has become a significant employer in the region, contributing to economic stability.

The project supports scientific research while also engaging local communities in conservation efforts.Chomela joined Gorongosa’s biodiversity laboratory in 2022 before becoming part of the Paleo-Primate Project in 2025.

His research spans multiple disciplines, including the use of environmental DNA to reconstruct historical ecosystems and metabarcoding techniques to analyze genetic material from bats and primates.

He is currently a first-year doctoral student at the University of Porto in Portugal, with his research based at the EO Wilson Laboratory in Chitengo, located within the park. In addition to his academic work, he leads the genetics laboratory at the facility, contributing to ongoing studies of biodiversity and ecosystem dynamics.

Chomela has also raised concerns about the potential overexploitation of guano resources. While the material is valued for its agricultural and economic uses, he noted that excessive harvesting could alter the composition of cave ecosystems.

“When they see the guano, they see money,” he said, adding that unsustainable extraction could disrupt the balance of species that depend on it.He emphasized the importance of building a scientific foundation to inform conservation practices and community engagement.

“We want a scientific base to convince the community,” he said, referring to efforts to align local economic interests with environmental sustainability.

The integration of scientific research, conservation policy and community involvement remains central to ongoing work in Gorongosa, as researchers continue to document and restore one of Africa’s most ecologically significant regions.

This strategic decision highlights the Kingdom’s growing commitment to preserving its natural heritage and achieving the Vision 2030 goal of protecting 30 percent of its land and sea areas.

The two new reserves are vital for maintaining marine biodiversity and supporting ecosystems that thrive along the Red Sea coast. These areas are known for their rich marine life, coral reefs, and stunning underwater landscapes that attract both scientists and nature enthusiasts.

The announcement marks another positive milestone in Saudi Arabia’s efforts to safeguard its environment while promoting sustainable tourism.

Located northwest of Jeddah, Ras Hatiba spans over 5,700 square kilometers of diverse habitats.

It includes extensive coral reefs, mangrove forests, and seagrass meadows — all crucial ecosystems that support endangered species such as green turtles, dugongs, dolphins, whales, and sharks.

The reserve’s pristine environment also plays a vital role in carbon absorption and coastal protection, making it an essential part of the country’s ecological balance.

Meanwhile, the Blue Holes marine reserve is a natural wonder of geological and biological significance. These rare circular formations, found along the southern Red Sea coast, were first identified in 2022.

Scientists have discovered more than 20 of these formations, each hosting unique ecosystems teeming with marine life including colorful fish, invertebrates, and sea mammals. Their discovery has opened a new chapter for Saudi marine research and ocean conservation.

By designating these two areas as protected zones, the Kingdom is moving closer to its target of 30 percent protection coverage by 2030.

Currently, nature reserves cover over 16 percent of the country’s total area — a significant leap from just a few years ago.

This increase underscores the government’s commitment to advancing sustainable development goals, promoting eco-tourism, and ensuring the long-term health of the nation’s marine resources.

These conservation efforts are aligned with Vision 2030’s Green Initiative, which emphasizes biodiversity protection, renewable energy, and reducing the impacts of climate change.

Protecting Ras Hatiba and the Blue Holes will not only preserve marine ecosystems but also help create eco-friendly opportunities for tourism, research, and community engagement.

Saudi authorities have also emphasized that local communities will play a role in maintaining these reserves. Through education and involvement in sustainable practices, citizens and visitors will be encouraged to contribute to marine conservation efforts.

This collaborative approach ensures that economic growth, tourism, and environmental responsibility coexist harmoniously.

The Kingdom’s bold environmental steps send a strong message of leadership in marine conservation across the region.

By protecting coral reefs and blue holes, Saudi Arabia is setting a global example of how economic progress can go hand-in-hand with nature preservation.

These efforts also enhance the country’s reputation as a forward-looking nation investing in both its people and the planet.

In the coming years, experts expect the Ras Hatiba and Blue Holes reserves to become global centers for marine research, biodiversity education, and eco-tourism.

With world-class scientific studies and carefully planned management, Saudi Arabia’s marine reserves could become models of sustainability for other coastal nations.

The inclusion of these two stunning marine reserves reflects a hopeful vision — one where development and conservation work together for the benefit of future generations.

By protecting these rare ecosystems, Saudi Arabia reaffirms its commitment to nurturing its natural treasures while moving steadily toward a greener, more sustainable future.

In the heart of Saudi Arabia’s northwestern mountains, a rare flower has reemerged after decades of disappearance. The sighting of Globularia alypum, known locally as “Zuraiqa” or “Aynon Kuhli,” has reignited national pride and ecological optimism.

Once widespread, this delicate blue daisy had vanished due to overgrazing and land degradation. Its return marks not just a scientific milestone but also a celebration of Saudi Arabia’s ongoing environmental revival.

Environmental consultant Oubaid Alouni, a former adviser at the National Vegetation Center, described the discovery as deeply symbolic.
“The primary cause of its scarcity is overgrazing, as it is an excellent grazing species,” he said. “The second cause is land degradation. The third cause is a history of neglect.”

Belonging to the Plantaginaceae family, Globularia alypum is native to the Mediterranean basin. It thrives in North Africa, southern Europe, and parts of Southwest Asia — including Saudi Arabia’s mountainous regions.

Alouni noted that the plant’s survival is tied to its resilience and adaptability. “Camels heavily graze it, so it is more commonly found in mountainous or calcareous regions where it is naturally protected,” he said.

He praised ongoing national initiatives that focus on restoring native vegetation and protecting endangered species. Saudi Arabia’s environmental centers are investing in reforestation, habitat restoration, and seed preservation programs.

To ensure Globularia alypum’s survival, Alouni recommends replanting it in its natural northwestern habitats. He also advocates for public education and the cultivation of this plant in home gardens to raise awareness of its ecological and medicinal importance.

Standing between 30 and 80 centimeters tall, the shrub forms dense, woody bushes with evergreen leaves. Its spherical clusters of soft blue to violet blooms paint the winter landscape with beauty and life from October through June.

“The advantage of this shrub is that it can become an annual in very hot places,” Alouni explained. “The seeds fall into the soil, and if winter comes with mild weather and rains, it sprouts again.”

He described it poetically: “It is like a beautiful dress with its lovely navy-blue color and round shape.” For many, this flower symbolizes endurance — thriving quietly even under challenging environmental conditions.

Beyond its visual charm, Globularia alypum holds remarkable medicinal value rooted in traditional healing practices. It has been used for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, and antidiabetic effects across generations.

Scientific studies by national research centers confirm its health benefits. Extracts from the plant can help lower blood glucose levels and improve insulin sensitivity due to its rich polyphenolic compounds.

“It is useful as an anti-rheumatic, antidiabetic, and for intermittent fevers, in addition to its use as a laxative,” Alouni added. Its blend of beauty and biology makes it a perfect symbol of the bond between nature and medicine.

However, Alouni cautioned that more research and documentation are needed. Some specimens remain unrecorded due to their rarity and the limited number of botanical experts available.

He emphasized that maintaining accurate plant records is crucial for understanding biodiversity and shaping conservation policy. Every species documented contributes to preserving the Kingdom’s environmental knowledge and natural legacy.

The rediscovery of the blue daisy underscores the growing momentum behind Saudi Arabia’s ecological restoration. It highlights how traditional wisdom and modern science can unite to safeguard the nation’s natural treasures.

This humble flower, once forgotten, now stands as a living emblem of regeneration and hope. Its return to the wild reflects the country’s broader vision — to protect its environment, nurture biodiversity, and celebrate the beauty of its land.