The Reserve has published its first checklist of birds, recording 242 species – approximately 45% of all birds found in the Kingdom, including some of the first sightings of the Syrian Serin in Saudi Arabia. This milestone is the result of four years of multi-season surveys to establish a baseline of avian life across the Reserve.

Why do we do it? Because to protect birds, we first need to understand where they live and how they move. That’s no small feat in a Reserve the size of a small country — 24,500 km² with 15 distinct ecosystems, from the rugged volcanic Harrat mountains to Red Sea coastline. The terrain is challenging with a limited road network and extreme weather conditions. Studies are labor intensive. Identifying a raptor soaring at 150 metres, or distinguishing between similar-looking warblers in dense vegetation, requires exceptional skill.

Working with experts from KAUST Beacon Development, we use aerial photography and past records to identify promising sites such as wetlands, vegetated areas, and the Reserve’s main wadis. Surveys begin at dawn, when birds are most active, with researchers noting every species seen or heard along a transect. Where vehicles can’t go, the team continues on foot. Evening and night surveys reveal species such as owls and nightjars.

For those species deemed “cryptic’’ (hard to distinguish), research scientists use mist nets. These fine, almost invisible nets are a safe and effective method of bird capture. This allows for data to be recorded, such as body measurements and dependent on species, a single DNA sample is collected in the form of a feather which is analyzed to differentiate between specific sub-species. This technique recently confirmed the breeding of the Mangrove Reed Warbler in the Reserve, extending its northernmost breeding range along the Red Sea.

Ali AlFaqih, the Reserve’s biodiversity and research manager explains, “Birds are essential indicators of ecosystem health, and understanding their roles in the environment begins with observing them. In the early morning, birds leave their roosts to search for feeding sites. Using binoculars and cameras, we examine each bird species, noting their specialized adaptations related to their diet. For instance, the Arabian Green Bee-eater has a sharp, pointed bill designed for catching flying insects in mid-air.

We identify birds by their colors, shapes, and behaviors, and we document essential information, including GPS coordinates, habitat types, and the number of individuals observed.’’

After 21 days in the field, analysis begins. Over four years the Reserve has recorded 242 species, the most common and widespread resident species are the House Sparrow, Tristram’s Starling and White-crowned Wheatear.

44 of the species recorded are of global, regional and/or national conservation importance underlying the Reserve’s significance as a haven for threatened biodiversity. The Griffon Vulture (which has been confirmed breeding in the Reserve, read more here), Sooty Falcon, Barbary Falcon, Syrian Serin and Verreaux’s Eagle are IUCN Regionally Endangered and Crab Plover, Black-winged Kite, Short-toed Snake Eagle and Richards’s Pipit are IUCN Regionally Vulnerable.

Several species were recorded well outside their known main ranges including some of the first records of the Syrian Serin in Saudi Arabia (read more here) The Cyprus Warbler, Olive-tree Warbler, Kurdish Wheatear, Richard’s Pipit and Chukar were all recorded significantly south of their known main ranges with very few previous historic records within the Kingdom.

This data is significant because it informs the Reserve’s conservation strategies. By identifying the habitats birds rely on, the Reserve can adapt management to provide the protection they need. Yet birds are highly mobile, more than 65% of the species recorded are migratory, so effective conservation also requires a global approach. Lying on two major flyways, the Black Sea–Mediterranean and the West Asian–East African, the Reserve provides an essential sanctuary and, in some cases, breeding grounds for species travelling thousands of kilometres.

We are proud to share this data with the global scientific community, contributing to international efforts to protect migratory species that know no borders. The full research paper is available [link], providing detailed findings that will inform conservation strategies both locally and globally. If you are in the Reserve and see one of these species (or perhaps one not on the list) we would love to hear from you and if you haven’t tried bird watching then here’s a recommendation from Ali, ‘’ birdwatching is one of the most joyful and peaceful experiences. Listening to their songs and admiring their colorful feathers invites us to meditate and express gratitude for being part of this wonderful world.”

 

Download full research paper