Riyadh - Saudi Arabia

The King Salman bin Abdulaziz Royal Reserve Development Authority has achieved exceptional successes in its vulture resettlement programs, resulting in record jumps in the numbers of three rare species, an achievement that reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to restoring ecosystems and enhancing biodiversity within the goals of Vision 2030.

Exceptional numbers

Field monitoring data revealed an increasing growth in the number of eagles, which was the result of continuous efforts that included continuous monitoring of nesting sites, providing safe feeding points, and reducing veterinary risks and poisoning risks. The number of brown vulture individuals exceeded 300 individuals, an increase of 328%, with 83 nests observed, an increase of 295%. The number of eared vultures also increased to about 35 individuals, an increase of 776%, with 10 new nests recorded, an increase of 900%. As for the Egyptian vulture, about 37 individuals were recorded, an increase of 1750%, in addition to the documentation of three new successful nests that reflect the return of documented nesting within the reserve.

Global importance
These achievements are gaining global importance, as the reserve includes five areas that are considered globally important for birds. The biodiversity data collected contributed to supporting the declaration of the first major biodiversity site in the Kingdom, which enhances the reserve’s pioneering role in protecting the environment and natural balance.

A tourism and investment opportunity

This environmental success represents a golden opportunity to develop eco-tourism in the north of the Kingdom, where this natural wealth can be invested in creating specialized tourist trails for bird watching, and developing visitor centers that introduce this unique natural heritage. These efforts come within the Kingdom's vision that makes environmental protection a pillar of sustainable development, which opens promising horizons for investors in the sustainable tourism sector.