Riyadh: The Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Reserve serves as a vital stopover along migratory flyways, hosting a variety of bird species that pass through or settle within its boundaries, reflecting the richness of its natural habitats. A total of 184 bird species, both resident and migratory, have been recorded within the reserve as part of a comprehensive field survey highlighting exceptional biodiversity. The survey also documented four globally threatened migratory bird species.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the survey coincided with World Migratory Bird Day, observed this year under the theme: 'Every Bird Counts - Your Observations Matter.' The reserve data showed that 69% of recorded birds were classified as migratory passage species, 17% as resident breeding birds, and 7.1% as winter visitors. This diversity underscores the reserve's significance as a critical stopover along international migratory routes.
The globally threatened migratory species recorded include the Egyptian vulture (Neophron percnopterus), the steppe eagle (Aquila nipalensis), the European turtle dove (Streptopelia turtur), and the common redstart (Phoenicurus phoenicurus). These findings highlight the ecological significance of the reserve as a safe haven for rare and endangered species and a key pillar in preserving biodiversity in Saudi Arabia.
They also reflect the success of ongoing environmental conservation efforts in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 to protect natural resources and maintain ecological balance.