AlUla emerges as key vulture habitat amid ongoing conservation efforts

With its diverse landscapes, AlUla Governorate provides a natural habitat for several vulture species and migratory birds. Monitoring programs and field studies have documented the presence of these birds, especially endangered species, and have examined their movements and environmental needs.

This comes as International Vulture Awareness Day is marked on the first Saturday of September each year, highlighting the importance of vultures, their role in ecological balance, and the need to reduce global threats facing them.

Rare species recorded in Sharaan Nature Reserve

The Sharaan Nature Reserve, spanning over 1,500 square kilometers, has emerged as a site where rare vulture species have been observed. Environmental monitoring teams recently documented the endangered Rüppell’s vulture in a rare sighting—only the second official record of this species in AlUla’s skies.

Monitoring results also indicated the regular presence of between 20 and 30 lappet-faced vultures in AlUla, representing about 2.5% of the national population of this species. In addition, four breeding pairs were recorded in the region during the current season.

Advanced technology and research programs

As part of scientific research, the Royal Commission for AlUla has employed advanced technologies to study vultures. In collaboration with King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), it launched a program to track lappet-faced vultures using GPS, collecting precise data on their movements, behavior, habitats, and potential threats to support relevant environmental measures.

Fieldwork also includes reducing risks along migratory bird routes, restoring natural habitats, and conducting specialized studies, as part of a broader effort to sustain native species and preserve biodiversity in AlUla.

The ecological importance of vultures

Vultures play a vital role in ecosystem health by disposing of carcasses and recycling nutrients. Their presence and breeding success are indicators of environmental balance. Scientific monitoring and tracking in AlUla provide important data to understand these birds and support ongoing efforts to protect them and ensure their survival in their natural habitats.