In north west Saudi Arabia, Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve covers about 24,500 square kilometers, the area of a small country. This vast protected area includes mountains, sand plains, and mangrove forests along the Red Sea coast. It is one of most biodiverse places in the Middle East, home to over 50% of Kingdom’s terrestrial species – from families of wild Nubian ibex (Capra nubiana) to over 200 species of bird. Managing and protecting such a large area of diverse terrain is a challenge, but camera traps are changing how we study wildlife in these remote areas.

Camera traps are a critical research and conservation management tool. These motion-activated devices with infrared sensorstake pictures and videos of animals without disturbing them. Placed in key locations across the Reserve, these cameras work day and night, quietly recording animal movements and behaviors. This technology provides valuable data that would otherwise be hard to collect because of the Reserve’s size and difficult terrain.

In 2021, the camera trap program led to an important discovery: the first confirmed sighting of the Golden Jackal (Canis aureus) in northwestern Saudi Arabia. Captured in the granite mountains of the Reserve, these images marked the most southwestern record of the species in Saudi Arabia. This exciting finding shows how key camera traps are to monitoring our biodiversity and growing our knowledge of the Reserve’s wildlife.

So far, over 100 high-definition trail cameras have been set up in various ecosystems within the Reserve. This careful placement has allowed for widespread monitoring of a diverse range of ecosystems from mountains to deserts.

Over a 24-month period, 3928 images captured 685 positive detections of 13 different mammal species. These positive detections allow for the identification of corridors and utilization of ecosystems throughout the Reserve.

Ali AlFaqih, Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve Biodiversity Monitoring and Research Manager explains,

‘’The Reserve has several species highly adapted to the region’s variable conditions. These include the Nubian ibex (Capra nubiana) and Blanford’s fox (Vulpes cana), both classified as Vulnerable by the IUCN and the Arabian wolf (Canis lupus arabs), which is listed as Least Concern. Camera trapping is an effective technique for long-term monitoring of medium to large terrestrial mammals that are nocturnal, cryptic, solitary, or live in small groups. These characteristics are common among desert species, making camera trapping a suitable method for studying them, especially since these animals are often low in abundance and have wide-ranging habitats.’’

The success of the camera trap program goes beyond scientific research. Working with the Special Forces for Environmental Security (SFES), the data collected has become a key tool for compliance in the Reserve. The cameras monitor remote areas that are hard to patrol, helping to detect and prevent illegal activities like poaching and unauthorized entry. This partnership improves the enforcement of Saudi Arabia’s environmental laws, ensuring the Reserve remains a safe place for wildlife.

The camera trap program in the Reserve shows a strong commitment to finding and protecting wildlife. By revealing the hidden behaviors and locations of the Reserve’s wildlife, the program provides the knowledge needed to carry out effective protection measures. The confirmation of the Golden Jackal’s presence is proof of the Reserve’s rich, yet still partly unknown, variety of wildlife species.

Looking ahead, the Reserve remains dedicated to using modern technology in its conservation work. The ongoing expansion of the camera trap program and the use of advanced analytical tools reflect a proactive approach to environmental care. The goal is to protect and celebrate the natural heritage of this remarkable region, ensuring that its diverse landscapes and the species that live in them continue to thrive for generations to come.