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Unexpected Discovery Unveils Rare And Endangered Wildlife In Saudi Reserve
In a significant win for wildlife conservation, three rare breeding colonies of Eurasian Griffon vultures have been discovered at the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve!
The announcement, made by the reserve’s authority, comes just in time for World Vulture Awareness Day, celebrated annually on the first Saturday of September.
The Eurasian Griffon vulture, an endangered species in the Middle East, is facing a dire conservation crisis, along with other vulture species around the world
The discovery of these breeding colonies is seen as a crucial step toward preserving these majestic birds.
Drones were used to discover the three breeding colonies
According to Andrew Zaloumis, CEO of the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve Development Authority, four active nests have been found using drones, with adults incubating eggs and raising young chicks. “The endangered Griffon vulture is an uncommon breeding resident in Saudi Arabia. These breeding colonies are a testament to the Reserve’s conservation efforts and its role as a sanctuary for Saudi Arabia’s natural heritage,” Zaloumis said.
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Spanning 24,500 square kilometers, the reserve is home to 15 distinct ecosystems and over half of the Kingdom’s species, making it one of the most biodiverse areas in the Middle East. The Griffon vulture, a vital indicator of the reserve’s improving environmental health, has previously been spotted roosting in the mountain ranges of the reserve, but this is the first time that breeding colonies have been officially confirmed.
Other potential sites are under close observation
In addition to the four active nests in the Jabel Qaraqir section, researchers are keeping a close eye on 37 more potential nesting sites. The reserve continues its efforts in collaboration with the National Centre for Wildlife, which saw two Griffon vultures tagged and released into the wild in 2023, further supporting their conservation mission.
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