Arabic is a rich and complex language, with one English word often having multiple translations. Simply using a direct translation can sometimes fail to capture the full meaning, leading to confusion. This is particularly true for the word ‘wildlife.’
In Saudi Arabia, the term “Natural Life” is used to describe organisms that have remained untouched by human influence in their physical, physiological, or behavioral traits. This contrasts with the more common term “Wildlife,” which is often a direct translation of the English word used across the Arab world.
The Kingdom’s preference for “Natural” over “Wild” stems from a deeper cultural and religious understanding. “Natural” more accurately reflects life forms as they were created by God, thriving in their natural habitats across diverse ecosystems like land, sea, deserts, and mountains. On the other hand, “Wild” is more limited in scope, often referring specifically to land environments and evoking images of wilderness or desolation.
Historically, ancient Arabs referred to animals living outside human control as “savage,” a term used to describe creatures that lived independently of humans, outside domestication. This label conveyed the idea of “estrangement” rather than “wildness.” For instance, the oryx was called “wild cattle,” and the zebra was referred to as a “savage donkey.” Even plants, such as date palms growing without human care, were considered “wild.”
Over time, the word “savage” has undergone a semantic shift, a common linguistic process where a word’s meaning evolves. Originally signifying isolation or life outside human influence, “savage” gradually became associated with fear, aggression, and predatory behavior. Today, it is more fitting for ferocious animals like lions or lynxes but no longer applies to a gazelle, a vulnerable prey species, or a plant growing peacefully in nature.
This change prompted the search for a term that could encompass all forms of life—predators, prey, plants, and animals—across various ecosystems. “Natural” emerged as the best fit.
It reflects the innate qualities endowed by the Creator in all living things, highlighting the natural instincts and behaviors that define their existence.
For example, a lion is naturally inclined to its role as a predator, engaging in hunting, defending its territory, and raising its young. Similarly, a gazelle follows its natural role as prey and an herbivore, feeding on plants that grow and reproduce according to their natural cycles.
The Concept of ‘Nature’
“Nature” is the foundation of this understanding. It represents a divine system, untouched by human interference, where all living things interact harmoniously with their environment. The term “Natural Life” was adopted to reflect this broader, more holistic view of life in the Kingdom.
This term not only serves as a unique definition for wildlife but also establishes a scientific term that resonates with the public’s understanding. It captures the essence of life as it exists in the natural world, rooted in Saudi Arabia’s cultural, religious, and environmental context.
