Red Sea Global launches Saudi Arabia’s largest biodiversity survey, uncovering new species

 

Red Sea Global launches Saudi Arabia’s largest biodiversity survey, uncovering new species  

Red Sea Global (RSG), the developer behind Saudi Arabia’s luxury destinations The Red Sea and AMAALA, has unveiled results from the most extensive terrestrial biodiversity survey ever undertaken by a development company in the Kingdom.

The survey, titled “Terrestrial Spatial Habitats Assessment for Biodiversity Conservation”, was conducted in collaboration with Portugal’s BIOPOLIS/CIBIO, University of Porto. Spanning over 13,000 km² of deserts, wetlands, mangroves, and mountains across 120 sites, the study sets a new benchmark for conservation-led tourism development.

 

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Key Discoveries:

• Several species potentially new to science, including a scorpion (Trypanothacus), two geckos (Hemidactylus and Tropiocolotes), and a small mammal (Gerbillus).
• Identification of 11 new local Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs) using IUCN methodology, vital for endangered and endemic species.

“This groundbreaking survey deepens our understanding of the region’s rich biodiversity and enables us to plan responsibly,” said John Pagano, Group CEO of RSG. “It proves that luxury tourism and environmental preservation can go hand in hand.”

Ecological Impact:

• 41 locally threatened species documented, including the critically endangered Arabian Woodpecker and endangered Nubian Ibex.
• 88 regionally restricted species and 19 Arabian endemics recorded, underscoring the Red Sea’s ecological uniqueness.
• 18 species found to rely on specific local habitats for breeding or survival.

 

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Highlighted KBAs:

• Al-Wajh Bank (2,835 km²) – a key stopover for migratory seabirds like the Sooty Falcon and Crab Plover.
• Upper Wadi Al Hamd (976 km²) – a stronghold for the Arabian Wolf, threatened by habitat loss and human conflict.
• Triple Bay Mountains, Jabal Saykhaan, and Jabal Qawwam – habitats supporting rare flora and fauna, including bat colonies and raptors.
• Amaala Coastal Mangroves – a marine-terrestrial interface critical for both plant life and coastal bird species.

A Model for Regenerative Tourism:

The study supports RSG’s target of achieving a 30% net conservation benefit by 2040, ensuring more, or higher quality, natural habitats post-development. It also contributes to Saudi Arabia’s Green Initiative and aligns with global biodiversity goals.

Building on its 2022 environmental baseline survey, RSG continues to integrate rigorous science into all development decisions, reaffirming its role as a global leader in sustainable tourism.

 

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About Red Sea Global:

RSG is a Public Investment Fund (PIF) company and a key player in Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. Its portfolio includes The Red Sea, AMAALA, Thuwal Private Retreat, and infrastructure upgrades at Al Wajh Airport. RSG champions regenerative development—restoring nature, empowering communities, and creating resilient, sustainable destinations.

Source: menafn.com