Saudi Arabia’s Sharaan Nature
Reserve attracts unique birds
In a significant development for wildlife
conservation, a rare Egyptian vulture has been observed feeding its newborn
chick in the cliffs of Sharaan Nature Reserve in AlUla, marking the first documented
nesting of the species in the area.
Conservationists have hailed the sighting as a
“major milestone” for the endangered species, which is listed on the
International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. With fewer than
50 breeding pairs estimated to remain in Saudi Arabia, the appearance of a
healthy chick is being celebrated as a positive sign for the bird’s recovery in
the region.
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Known for its intelligence and tool
use—Egyptian vultures have been observed using rocks to break eggs and sticks
to gather nesting materials—the species has long fascinated researchers and
bird watchers alike. Once revered in ancient Egyptian culture, the bird now
faces significant threats due to habitat loss, poisoning, and declining food
sources.
This latest sighting contributes to growing
evidence that AlUla is becoming an important habitat for the species.
Conservation teams have recorded at least three breeding territories in the
region this year, with up to 10 additional pairs possibly exploring nesting
sites.
“This is more than a single success story—it’s
a reflection of AlUla’s growing role in regional biodiversity restoration,”
said a spokesperson from the Royal Commission for AlUla, which is spearheading
conservation efforts in the area.
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As
efforts to protect endangered species in Saudi Arabia gain momentum, the return
of the Egyptian vulture is being seen as a hopeful indicator of the country’s
broader environmental transformation under Vision 2030.
Source: cairoscene.com
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