Rare Rüppell's vulture spotted in Saudi Arabia's AlUla, strengthening its role as a global bird sanctuary

 

Conservation efforts in AlUla result in reappearance of rare Rüppell's vulture 

A rare sighting of a Rüppell's vulture in Sharaan National Park has elevated AlUla’s status as a vital sanctuary for endangered bird species. The critically endangered bird, famed for flying at altitudes exceeding 11,300 meters, has only been recorded once before in Saudi Arabia.

The discovery, confirmed by the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU), coincides with recent conservation successes in the park, including the breeding of Egyptian vultures and sightings of Eurasian griffon, lappet-faced, and cinerous vultures. Globally, vultures face alarming declines—16 of 23 species are at risk of extinction, with 12 listed as critically endangered or endangered. In Africa, Rüppell's populations have fallen by more than 90% in the past 30 years.

Sharaan’s ongoing rewilding program has already reintroduced Arabian oryx, Arabian and sand gazelles, and Nubian ibex, reinforcing the park’s ecological diversity. The vulture sighting, made in August 2025 by rangers, aligns with International Vulture Awareness Day, which highlights the crucial role these scavengers play in maintaining healthy ecosystems.

 

Read More                Rare Egyptian vulture observed in Saudi Arabia’s Sharaan Nature Reserve

 

Complementing these efforts, the Arabian Leopard Breeding Programme—run in partnership with Smithsonian’s National Zoo, Panthera, and IUCN—aims to protect and eventually reintroduce the world’s most endangered big cat subspecies into Saudi Arabia.

Sharaan National Park, now recognized on the IUCN Green List, offers sustainable ecotourism experiences such as wildlife safaris, guided hikes, and starlit desert tours. RCU officials stress that these initiatives integrate conservation with tourism, ensuring that over half of AlUla’s territory is preserved as nature reserves and enriched by the planting of 10 million native trees.

“Sharaan is showing what’s possible when conservation is at the heart of development,” said Naif A. Al Malik, RCU’s Vice President for Wildlife & Natural Heritage. Phillip Jones, Chief Tourism Officer, emphasized AlUla’s vision of blending heritage, culture, and nature to create lasting experiences while restoring ecological balance.

 

Read More                Saudi Arabia’s global leadership in protecting migratory birds acknowledged

 

Home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hegra and ancient kingdoms like Dadan, AlUla is increasingly celebrated not only for its cultural treasures but also for its ambitious conservation and rewilding efforts, positioning it as a global model for sustainable development.

Source: One Arabia