RCU Reports Significant Increase In Sooty Falcon Breeding Pairs At Sharaan Nature Reserve

The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) has documented numerous sooty falcon breeding pairs within the Sharaan Nature Reserve. This highlights the reserve's rich biodiversity and its emerging role as a sanctuary for rare and endangered species. The sooty falcon, listed as "vulnerable" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), has an estimated global population of 1,149 to 1,597 breeding pairs.

Field surveys by RCU’s wildlife team recorded 39 breeding pairs in Sharaan, estimating 50 to 70 pairs across AlUla. This represents nearly 4% of the global population, making AlUla and Sharaan crucial inland breeding sites. The sooty falcon nests on high cliffs, safe from predators, in areas abundant with vegetation and prey.

Distinguished by its sleek gray plumage and striking yellow eyes, the sooty falcon is unique in starting its breeding season post-July. This timing allows it to exploit the migration season of small birds to feed its chicks. Observations by RCU’s research team, led by Borut Rubinić, have documented these behaviors.

Young falcons fledge between mid-October and early November before migrating to southern Africa. They cross the Mozambique Channel to Madagascar for wintering before returning north. These findings are part of RCU’s comprehensive program for environmental monitoring across Sharaan and other protected areas in AlUla.

The program includes population surveys, ecological studies, camera-trap monitoring, and research on indicator species reflecting ecosystem health. These efforts integrate habitat restoration and pollution-control programs to maintain ecosystem balance and sustainability. Sharaan Nature Reserve is listed on the IUCN Green List of Protected Areas.

The reserve's dramatic landscapes host diverse wildlife such as Nubian ibex, sand gazelles, wolves, sand cats, endangered reptiles, and over 120 bird species. The thriving sooty falcon population indicates ecosystem recovery in AlUla and showcases RCU’s success in restoring nature across its reserves.

Commitment to Environmental Sustainability

The RCU remains committed to prioritising scientific research and long-term monitoring to protect this natural heritage for future generations. This aligns with Saudi Vision 2030’s environmental sustainability goals. The commission emphasised that these efforts are crucial for preserving biodiversity in AlUla.

With inputs from SPA