AlUla's Sharaan Nature Reserve becomes host to growing number of bird species
The Royal
Commission for AlUla (RCU) has reported a
significant rise in the number of sooty falcon
breeding pairs at the Sharaan
Nature Reserve, underscoring the reserve’s growing ecological
vitality and importance as a haven for rare and threatened wildlife.
The sooty falcon (Falco concolor), listed as “vulnerable”
by the International Union for Conservation of
Nature (IUCN), has an estimated global population of just 1,149 to
1,597 breeding pairs. Recent field surveys by RCU’s wildlife team recorded 39
breeding pairs in Sharaan, with a total of 50 to 70 pairs estimated across
AlUla—representing nearly 4% of the global population. This establishes Sharaan
and AlUla as some of the most important inland breeding sites for the species.
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Sooty Falcon numbers
rising across AlUla
Recognizable by its slate-gray plumage and vivid
yellow eyes, the sooty falcon is distinctive for its late breeding season,
which begins after July. This timing coincides with the migration of small
birds, providing abundant food for chicks. Under the supervision of RCU’s
wildlife research lead, Borut
Rubinić, teams have documented these behaviors and tracked the
birds’ seasonal movements.
Young falcons typically fledge between
mid-October and early November before embarking on their long migration to southern
Africa, crossing the Mozambique
Channel to Madagascar for the winter months. These findings are part
of RCU’s comprehensive environmental monitoring program across Sharaan and
other protected areas in AlUla.
The program encompasses population and habitat
surveys, camera-trap monitoring, and ecological research on key species that
serve as indicators of overall ecosystem health. These initiatives are
supported by habitat restoration projects and pollution-control efforts aimed
at sustaining the region’s environmental balance. Notably, Sharaan Nature
Reserve is listed on the IUCN Green List of Protected Areas, recognizing its
high standards of conservation management.
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Strengthening ecosystem
resilience
Sharaan’s dramatic landscapes host a rich
array of wildlife, including Nubian ibex, sand gazelles, Arabian wolves, sand
cats, and several endangered reptiles, along with over 120 bird species. The
resurgence of the sooty falcon population is a clear sign of ecosystem recovery
in AlUla and reflects RCU’s success in restoring natural habitats across its
reserves.
Commitment to conservation
and Vision 2030
The Royal
Commission for AlUla reaffirmed its commitment to long-term ecological research
and environmental stewardship, ensuring the protection of this unique natural
heritage for future generations. These efforts align closely with Saudi Vision
2030’s sustainability goals, reinforcing AlUla’s position as a global model for
conservation-led development.
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