Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Royal Reserve Launches Innovative Live Turtle Tracking Program For Conservation

Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve has initiated a satellite tracking program for hawksbill and green turtles in the Red Sea. This includes the first tagging of a pre-nesting, egg-carrying green turtle. The initiative aims to address knowledge gaps and promote conservation strategies for these endangered species.

The reserve spans 24,500 km², stretching from the Harrats lava plains to the Red Sea. It connects NEOM, Red Sea Global, and AlUla. This area is home to diverse ecosystems and projects like Wadi Al Disah and Destination AMAALA. Despite covering only 1% of Saudi Arabia's land, it hosts over half of the country's species.

Dr. Ahmed Mohammed and Dr. Hector Barrios-Garrido led the team that tagged three hawksbill turtles and seven green turtles. These tags provide real-time data on their movements, revealing foraging grounds, migratory paths, and nesting sites. This information is crucial for effective protection measures.

The reserve's efforts align with Saudi Arabia's commitments under international agreements like the UNEP Convention on Migratory Species. By sharing scientific data across borders, they aim to enhance regional cooperation in turtle conservation.

Turtles in the Red Sea face threats such as fishing net entanglement, habitat loss, and poaching. Although these dangers are absent within protected waters, broader management strategies are essential. The reserve collaborates with SHAMS on local and regional conservation initiatives.

Andrew Zaloumis, CEO of Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve, highlighted the critical situation of hawksbill turtles: "Critically endangered hawksbill turtles face an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild within our lifetime." He stressed the importance of closing knowledge gaps for their survival.

Technological Advancements in Tracking

The newly implemented lightweight tags are designed to function for at least a year. They offer continuous data that aids in understanding seasonal patterns and developmental habitats. Depth sensors also identify sea grass meadows vital for green turtles' feeding.

Despite global reclassification by IUCN, green turtles remain vulnerable regionally. All five marine turtle species in the Red Sea are listed under the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS), which Saudi Arabia joined in 1979.

Biodiversity and Ecosystem Management

The reserve protects 4,000 km² of Red Sea waters, representing 1.8% of Saudi Arabia's marine area. It features a 170 km coastline managed by a single entity—the longest in the Kingdom—and forms an 800 km corridor linking NEOM and Red Sea Global.

This protected area serves as a refuge for five out of seven global turtle species and supports breeding grounds for green and hawksbill turtles. Ranger teams monitor both shorelines and seas to safeguard nesting sites crucial for natal homing instincts.

"Hawksbill turtles hatching on the reserve’s protected beaches range across 438,000 km² of open sea bordered by eight MENA countries," said Andrew Zaloumis. He noted that these turtles return decades later to lay eggs on their birth beaches.

Commitment to Long-term Conservation

The reserve continues its long-term dedication to marine conservation by expanding its turtle nest monitoring program started in 2023. This initiative supports Saudi Arabia's sustainability goals through programs like Saudi Green and Middle East Green Initiatives.

As one of eight royal reserves established by decree, Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve is overseen by His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. It integrates with national sustainability efforts while fostering biodiversity protection.

With inputs from SPA