Saudi Arabia: Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Royal Reserve Unveils Discovery Of Five New Species

In a significant stride towards understanding and conserving biodiversity, the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve has unveiled the discovery of five species previously unknown to science, alongside extending the recognized global range of 34 species.

This announcement follows a comprehensive four-year examination conducted by both Saudi and international specialists, accentuating the Reserve's crucial role as a sanctuary for biodiversity amidst climate change. Among the newly identified species are two reptiles and three plants, each contributing uniquely to their ecosystems and cultural heritage. These discoveries not only enrich global scientific knowledge but also underscore the Reserve's exceptional ecological diversity.

The Reserve's new fauna includes the Hemidactylus sp. gecko, adorned with brown stripes and white nodules, and the Hejaz black-collared snake (Rhynchocalamus hejazicus), a small, non-venomous species notable for its bright red color and distinctive black collar. These reptiles play critical roles in their ecosystems, from pest control to contributing to the biodiversity of their habitats.

On the flora side, the discoveries include the globe thistle (Echinops sp. aff. glaberrimus) from the Asteraceae family, the mignonette (Reseda sp. aff. muricata), and the hogbean (Hyoscyamus sp.) from the Nightshade family, each with unique ecological benefits and historical uses ranging from medicinal applications to perfumery.

Spanning a vast 24,500 km² from the lava plains to the deep Red Sea, the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve is one of eight Royal Reserves in the Kingdom and plays a pivotal role in Saudi Arabia's environmental conservation efforts. Despite covering merely 1% of the Kingdom's terrestrial area, it houses more than half of the country's terrestrial species, making it a biodiversity hotspot in the Middle East.

Senior Advisor Wildlife Ecologist Josh Smithson remarked on the methodological approach taken to catalog the Reserve's biodiversity, stating, "The Reserve's vast size and ecological diversity presented challenges in establishing a baseline. To address this, we adopted a phased approach, starting with higher-value ecological areas and progressively expanding study sites. Eco-monitoring programs now augment this baseline work, allowing us to better understand ecological functionality and diversity while informing Reserve management plans."

The collaboration with institutions like KAUST has enabled the Reserve to conduct thorough ecological surveys since 2021, identifying a total of 791 terrestrial species to date. This includes 461 plant species, with three newly discovered, and 240 bird species, seven of which represent global range extensions, showcasing the Reserve's rich biological diversity.

The Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve's dedication to preserving the natural and cultural environment is part of Saudi Arabia's broader sustainability and conservation initiatives, including the Saudi Green and Middle East Green Initiatives.

With its vast ecosystems and significant biodiversity, the Reserve is a key player in the Kingdom's environmental preservation efforts, underscoring the importance of protecting natural habitats for future generations.