It is self-evident that the plants and animals used in modern agriculture originated from wild plants and animals. Wild progenitors of cultivated crops are still the major source of new genetic material that is needed for improvements and the source of genes that confer resistance to new strains of diseases. Similarly, local landrace varieties of crops and breeds of domestic animals represent varieties that have been selected over time for particular environmental conditions or because they have characteristics that are desirable for some reason. Not only is the genetic variability in landraces and local breeds of animals valuable as an element of biodiversity, it also is a national resource of genetic wealth.

Modern agricultural practises result in loss of much agricultural biodiversity through uniform practises, reduction in the importance of local and traditional methods of tillage and husbandry and widespread use of pesticides. Once Saudi Arabia loses all the local varieties and wild relatives of crops, breeds of sheep, goats and camels, or even breeds of salukis, it will be totally dependent on foreign imports for seed, plants and animals.

All plants, whether they are endemic, near endemic, threatened, vulnerable or believed to be extinct, are important in maintaining the integrity of their respective ecosystems. Unless measures are taken to safeguard all species, then some of the relict populations could face extinction in the near future.