Endangered vulture spotted in Saudi Arabia's Northern Borders
The sighting of the bird, which began its migration about 2,000 kilometers away in Armenia, underscores the reserve's importance as a sanctuary for migratory species.
With a 3.1-meter wingspan and weighing up to 14 kilograms, the black vulture is one of the largest of the old world raptors. Its population numbers, however, have plummeted in the past two centuries because of habitat loss and human activity.
Nasser Al-Majlad, chairman of the Aman Environmental Association, said that the region's location — bridging Asia, Africa and Europe — coupled with its diverse terrain and lush vegetation, attracts more than 300 bird species every year.
Al-Majlad said that the consistent passage of migratory birds reflects ecosystem stability and enriches the cultural landscape, adding that the phenomenon offers residents and researchers unique opportunities to study avian biodiversity.
Saudi Arabia's Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Reserve Development Authority and the Northern Borders region's Aman Environmental Association marked World Migratory Bird Day 2025 on May 10-11 by advocating for the conservation of migratory birds under the theme 'Shared Spaces: Creating Bird-Friendly Cities and Communities.'
The events highlighted the ecological significance of the reserve and the Northern Borders region more widely.
Saudi Arabia's annual participation in World Migratory Bird Day aligns with global conservation goals.
This year's theme emphasized integrating bird-friendly practices into urban development to mitigate challenges such as habitat fragmentation.
The Northern Borders region is a vital migratory corridor, its strategic geographical location bridging Europe, Africa and Asia.
Migratory birds play an important role in the ecosystem by dispersing seeds, controlling insect populations, and enhancing biodiversity, making them a vital element in sustaining the environmental life cycle.
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