Farasan Islands: The National Center for Wildlife (NCW) has launched its annual winter census of waterbirds in the Farasan Islands Protected Area to monitor migratory bird populations, assess the health of wetland ecosystems, and implement effective conservation measures to protect biodiversity.
According to Saudi Press Agency, this year's survey recorded over 10,000 waterbirds belonging to 45 species, including the pink-backed pelican, giant heron, white-eyed gull, terns, and plovers. This diverse avian population highlights the critical role of the Farasan Islands Protected Area as a key migratory stopover for birds in the Kingdom.
NCW CEO Dr. Mohammed Qurban reiterated the Kingdom's dedication to protecting migratory birds and their habitats in accordance with global environmental standards and international agreements.
Dr. Qurban further stressed the Kingdom's commitment to environmental sustainability as outlined in Vision 2030. He highlighted the importance of ongoing monitoring and protection efforts, including environmental exploration trips and the tracking of migratory waterbirds, and the center's collaboration with national and international organizations to support strategies for environmental protection and biodiversity conservation.