Riyadh: World Migratory Bird Day, celebrated annually by countries around the world, including the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, on the second Saturday of May, aims to raise awareness about the preservation of migratory birds and their habitats, and to highlight the threats they face and their environmental significance.
According to Saudi Press Agency, this year's theme, 'Shared Spaces: Creating Bird-Friendly Cities and Communities,' underscores the importance of integrating migratory birds into urban planning and reducing environmental threats they encounter in urban areas.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, represented by the National Center for Wildlife (NCW), continues its efforts to protect wildlife, including migratory birds, which form an essential part of biodiversity. These efforts include regulating hunting, enforcing strict laws in line with approved environmental regulations, and coordinating with relevant authorities to ensure biodiversity sustainability. The Kingdom has also streamlined hunting season procedures through the establishment of the Fitri platform.
NCW conducts field surveys, monitors migration routes, updates the national bird list, determines the status of each species, and studies biodiversity hotspots and wetlands. The center also supports environmental monitoring and research programs across coastal and wilderness regions.
Through these efforts, the Kingdom seeks to preserve its natural environment, which serves as a critical stop along global migratory bird routes. A total of 499 bird species have been recorded in Saudi Arabia, representing 67 families, of which 223 are breeding species. The number of waterbird species in the Kingdom is estimated at approximately 180.