Riyadh: Red Sea Global (RSG) unveiled today the results of one of the most extensive studies ever conducted on terrestrial ecosystems in the Kingdom. The report highlights significant scientific discoveries that set new benchmarks for sustainable development in the eco-tourism sector.
According to Saudi Press Agency, these findings reflect the company's steadfast commitment to protecting biodiversity and promoting integrated environmental development, aligned with Saudi Vision 2030, at a time when its pioneering tourism projects on the Red Sea coast are progressing rapidly. The company released the report titled "State of Terrestrial Wildlife in the Red Sea Region" in 2025, in collaboration with the Research Center in Biodiversity and Genetic Resources (BIOPOLIS-CIBIO) at the University of Porto in Portugal.
The report covers a wide scope of field studies, including identifying terrestrial habitats using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) with 100m x 100m spatial precision, and conducting field surveys of the spatial distribution of plant and animal species at over 120 sites spanning more than 13,000 square kilometers. These areas include sand dunes, coastal islands, volcanic fields, wetlands, mangrove forests, mountain ecosystems, and valleys- making it among the most comprehensive studies of its kind in the region.
During fieldwork, the RSG team recorded 375 animal species and over 200 plant species, several of which are likely new to science and had never been documented before. Notable discoveries include a new species of Arabian burrowing scorpion, two reptile species -the house gecko and sand gecko- as well as a small mammal from the genus Mus, currently undergoing genetic analysis.
This major scientific discovery is exceptionally important, particularly in an area historically underexplored, and highlights the unique ecological character of deserts and arid environments, which are often undervalued despite hosting highly specialized species adapted to harsh conditions. The findings underscore the urgent need to protect these fragile ecosystems as unique habitats for biodiversity.
In addition to the potentially novel species, the report identifies 11 key biodiversity areas in the Red Sea region, designated according to IUCN criteria for their critical role in sustaining biodiversity at local, regional, and global levels.
Commenting on the findings, Red Sea Global CEO John Pagano said: "This report marks an advanced step in RSG's ongoing journey to protect and enhance the unique ecosystems and landscapes of our region. Our understanding of both terrestrial and marine ecosystems, the species they harbor, and the measures needed to preserve and sustain them is now complete and precise. By integrating this level of scientific research early in our planning, we affirm that luxury tourism and environmental preservation are not mutually exclusive but can be harmonized in an integrated approach that yields long-term benefits for both the environment and our guests."
He added: "The comprehensive survey results serve as a foundational ecological assessment to guide RSG's strategies for land use, habitat restoration, and conservation of environmental resources. This data will support sustainable development decision-making as we continue to develop tourist destinations in the region."
Pagano noted that this fieldwork forms a cornerstone of the company's ambitious commitment to achieving a 30% net conservation benefit by 2040, defined as the measurable positive outcomes of actions taken to conserve, enhance, and protect wildlife, habitats, and sensitive ecosystems. By 2040, the area is expected to host more abundant or higher-quality habitats than before development began, thereby enhancing ecosystem sustainability and ensuring its long-term balance.
The report also highlights the environmental significance of the Red Sea region -which includes The Red Sea and Amaala destinations- documenting, among others, 41 species locally threatened with extinction, such as the Arabian woodpecker, classified locally as critically endangered and endemic to the Red Sea mountains, and the Nubian ibex, endangered due to habitat loss. Other threatened species include the Egyptian fruit bat and Bonelli's eagle. The survey also recorded 88 geographically restricted species, including some likely new to science, such as the house gecko and Mus, underscoring the limited prior scientific knowledge of these unique ecosystems. Additionally, 19 species endemic to the Arabian Peninsula were identified, enriching the region's biodiversity with species like the Arabian spiny mouse, Hejaz kukri snake, and Scott's ground beetle.
The study also identified 18 species showing local demographic clusters within the Red Sea region, indicating their survival and stability depend directly on specific critical sites essential for breeding, feeding, or shelter.
Regarding the locally designated key biodiversity areas, 11 areas were identified, including Al-Wajh Bank (2,835 km²), internationally recognized as an Important Bird Area, serving as a critical habitat for large numbers of sooty falcons and many other seabirds such as the sooty gull and white-cheeked tern. It is also a key stopover for many globally and locally threatened migratory species.
Another area is Upper Wadi Al-Hamd (976 km²), classified as important for several species, notably the Arabian wolf. Designating this area as a key biodiversity site offers deeper insights for conservationists on ways to ensure the survival of this rare species, highlighting the need to restore its natural habitats and fostering cooperation with local communities to promote coexistence and change perceptions of this endangered animal.
Overall, the key biodiversity areas provide habitat for 136 species of conservation concern, representing about 24% of the total biodiversity documented in the Red Sea region, highlighting their critical importance in local conservation efforts. This fieldwork represents a paradigm shift in understanding terrestrial environments by filling major scientific gaps and enabling higher levels of protection for identified species and habitats.
This work underscores RSG's commitment to regenerative tourism, which not only achieves sustainability but also actively restores and enhances destinations rather than merely mitigating negative impacts. The report complements RSG's previous baseline marine environmental reports published in 2022 and 2023, which focused on marine species and habitats in The Red Sea and Amaala destinations, while the current report focuses on terrestrial areas of both destinations.
These findings directly support Saudi Arabia's national environmental goals under the Saudi Green Initiative and align with global biodiversity targets outlined in the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity.