First Sighting Of White-Tailed Eagle In Saudi Arabia Highlights Biodiversity Efforts

A rare juvenile white-tailed eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla) has been spotted at the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve. This marks the first confirmed sighting of this species in Saudi Arabia in over 20 years. The eagle was seen and photographed at Wadi Thalbah Wetland by Ali AlFaqih, Biodiversity Monitoring and Research Manager, highlighting the reserve's growing role as a haven for migratory birds.

The Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve spans 24,500 km² and includes both marine and terrestrial areas. It connects NEOM, Red Sea Global, and AlUla, stretching from the Harrats' lava plains to the Red Sea. This reserve is part of eight royal reserves established by royal decree and managed by the Royal Reserves Council under His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.

Regular monitoring during migratory seasons is crucial for understanding bird movements. The presence of the white-tailed eagle outside its usual range underscores this importance. Such data informs conservation strategies within the reserve and supports broader national and regional biodiversity efforts.

The reserve's programme aligns with Saudi Arabia's sustainability goals, including the Saudi Green and Middle East Green Initiatives. These efforts aim to protect 30% of land and sea by 2030, restore ecosystems, and enhance biodiversity as part of Vision 2030.

Since 2021, six multi-season biodiversity studies have been conducted in collaboration with experts from Saudi Arabia and five other countries. These studies have documented 247 bird species, including seven new global range extensions. This accounts for 49% of all bird species recorded in the Kingdom.

The Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve is home to fifteen distinct ecosystems. Despite covering just 1% of Saudi Arabia's land area and 1.8% of its marine area, it hosts over half of the Kingdom's recorded species. This makes it one of the most biodiverse protected areas in the Middle East.

Strategic Importance

The reserve plays a key role in Saudi Arabia’s environmental objectives under Vision 2030. Its habitat-wide restoration strategy supports these goals by enhancing biodiversity and protecting ecosystems. The sighting of the white-tailed eagle reflects progress towards these aims.

This reserve also houses significant projects like PIF’s Wadi Al Disah project and Red Sea Global’s Destination AMAALA. Its strategic location enhances its importance as a conservation area within Saudi Arabia’s broader environmental framework.

The Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve continues to be a vital area for biodiversity research and conservation efforts in Saudi Arabia. Its diverse ecosystems provide critical habitats for numerous species, contributing significantly to regional ecological health.

With inputs from SPA