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Arab News
a day ago
- Arab News
How Saudi Arabia's quails became both a delicacy and a conservation priority
JEDDAH: At dawn over the Arabian Peninsula, the sky comes alive with birds tracing ancient migratory paths through Saudi Arabia — a natural crossroads linking East Asia, Europe and Africa. They are more than mere travelers. They serve as sensitive indicators of ecosystem health, playing vital roles in seed dispersal, plant pollination and insect control — all essential for maintaining ecological balance. Among the many species passing through is the small but mighty quail. Though modest in size, quails carry outsized environmental and cultural significance, deeply woven into the region's heritage. 'Quail' is a general term referring to various genera of small, ground-dwelling birds in the order Galliformes — the same group that includes chickens, leading Saudi ornithologist and biodiversity expert Hany Tatwany told Arab News. Globally, quails are classified into two groups: Old World quails and New World quails, with around 130 species found across Europe, Asia and Africa. 'Quails are similar in size to doves, and their rounded shape resembles that of a partridge,' said Tatwany. 'They typically live in social groups called coveys, especially outside the breeding season.' These coveys often include a breeding pair and their young, sometimes merging with other families during key times of the year. 'This behavior reflects their gregarious nature and cooperative instincts,' Tatwany added. Quails are omnivores, feeding on grains, plant buds and insects. They breed in Europe and Central Asia before migrating south to Africa for the winter. Saudi Arabia serves as a critical stopover on both legs: 'They cross the Kingdom on both journeys,' said Tatwany. Upon arrival, quails settle in fields and wild areas with dense grass cover, where they hide during the day and continue migrating by night. Saudi Arabia's geography places it on one of the world's most critical bird migration routes. The Kingdom acts as a seasonal refuge for hundreds of species, with 550 recorded to date — including 219 breeding birds, 280 migratory species, and 51 vagrants. Of these, 27 are listed as globally threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List. Thirteen bird species — including various quails — are found nowhere else other than in or near the Arabian Peninsula, further underlining the region's biodiversity. Tatwany, widely recognized as Saudi Arabia's first wildlife veterinarian, with over 36 years of experience, highlighted how quails call and crow nonstop while hiding, 'indicating their presence in the area' to other birds. 'They do not flush except when approached very closely,' he said. 'If alerted, the rapid flapping of their wings produces a distinctive sound. They usually flee a short distance and stay in the area, especially if the grass is dense and thick.' Unfortunately, these traits have made quails vulnerable to hunters. Along migration routes, they are often targeted using firearms, nets and devices that mimic quail calls to lure them into traps. Rising threats have prompted Saudi Arabia to introduce laws to protect both quail species. 'In the Kingdom, hunting quail is illegal,' said Tatwany. The fine for failing to comply is SR1,500 ($400) per bird, while the estimated compensation value is SR3,000 for the common quail and SR7,000 for the harlequin quail. 'In Saudi Arabia, two species of quails have been recognized: the common quail, known scientifically as Coturnix coturnix, and the harlequin quail, Coturnix delegorguei,' said Tatwany, who co-founded the Kingdom's ungulate breeding program and has led major wildlife reintroduction efforts. The common quail measures 16-18 centimeters in length, with a wingspan of 32-35 centimeters and a weight of 70-155 grams. It is both a migrant and partial breeder in Saudi Arabia. 'This species occurs throughout the Kingdom during migration seasons in March-April and September-October,' said Tatwany. 'It also overwinters in some areas and breeds in patches, particularly in the central regions. The best place to see the common quail is in Haradh.' The harlequin quail, slightly larger at 16-19 cm and weighing 49-95 grams, is a resident breeder. 'It is best observed in the southern Tihamah grasslands and in Sabya in the Jizan Area,' said Tatwany. Quails nest on the ground in shallow scrapes lined with grass and leaves. The male defends the territory while the female builds the nest and cares for the eggs and chicks. A female typically lays between eight and 13 eggs, which hatch after 17 to 20 days. The chicks leave the nest shortly after hatching and begin flying about 19 days later. Known for being extremely cautious, quails are more often heard than seen. The male frequently produces a rhythmic series of calls that repeat every few seconds. Quails have a long history of interaction with humans, especially as a food source. Today, they are farmed domestically. Quails live in 'coveys,' social groups of adult pairs and their young that flock together in dense grasslands. They respond to each other's calls, a behavior exploited by illegal hunters using calling devices. Commercial quail farming began in Saudi Arabia in the 1980s, initially to feed falcons and later as a culinary delicacy. While several species have been domesticated worldwide, the common quail remains the primary type used in farming. Due to their size and high egg yield, Coturnix quails are highly valued in poultry production. 'This breed has more meat and lays more eggs than the others,' said Tatwany. 'The poultry industry in the Kingdom started around the late 1970s to early 1980s, mainly as feed for falcons used in falconry, serving as a preferred substitute for pigeons. 'This also marked the beginning of quail meat and eggs becoming available in commercial outlets within the Kingdom for human consumption. Additionally, quail recipes have become increasingly popular in Saudi cuisine.' Quail eggs, in particular, have gained favor in Saudi kitchens. Their small size, delicate flavor and high nutritional value make them a staple ingredient in both traditional and modern dishes. They appear in appetizers and salads, adding both taste and nourishment. In main courses like kabsa and mandi, quail eggs often top rice and meat dishes, lending color and flavor. They are also featured in dishes such as masabeeb and qursan and are popular as boiled or fried snacks. Nutritionally, quail eggs are rich in protein, vitamins A, B and D, and essential minerals such as iron and phosphorus — making them a small but powerful addition to the Saudi table. Efforts to protect quails are part of a broader initiative led by the Saudi National Center for Wildlife. Its Bird Management Division surveys bird species and their distribution across the Kingdom, focusing on protected and proposed conservation areas, biodiversity hotspots, and wetlands. By studying migration routes, species abundance, and spatial distribution, the division aims to ensure the long-term sustainability of Saudi Arabia's avian biodiversity.
Arab News
18-04-2025
- Science
- Arab News
Prioritizing conservation over species ‘de-extinction'
Scientists have long dreamed of regenerating extinct animals — a dream that is now reality thanks to advances in molecular science and genetic techniques. However, the cost, value, and significance of such efforts have always been questionable. The recent news about the 'resurrection' of the dire wolf is captivating — but somewhat misleading. Scientists used ancient DNA from dire wolf fossils to modify a small segment of the gray wolf genome, recreating certain physical traits reminiscent of the extinct dire wolf. But this does not mean the species has been revived. The dire wolf and gray wolf diverged more than 5 million years ago. A genetically modified gray wolf exhibiting some traits of the dire wolf has been developed — but it is not a resurrection. Genetic engineering is a contentious issue because it is invasive and permanently alters an organism's genetic profile. The process of genetically engineering mammals is slow, tedious, and expensive. The insertion, modification and deletion of genes are often heritable, producing new strains or breeds that do not occur naturally. This raises questions about their biological, psychological and social characteristics, as well as their adaptability and disease resistance. While cloning can help save endangered species from extinction, it may also lead to genetic homogeneity, weakening their long-term survival in the wild. The International Union for Conservation of Nature predicts that by the end of this century nearly all critically endangered species worldwide — and 67 percent of endangered species — could be lost forever. In Saudi Arabia, the rise of motor vehicles and the widespread ownership of firearms after the Second World War led to an explosion in hunting. This led to a significant decline in wild species — some now facing imminent extinction. Examples include the Arabian ostrich, the onager and the Saudi gazelle. Sadly, some carnivorous species, such as the Arabian cheetah and lion, have long gone extinct in the Kingdom. Several conservation organizations argue that resources would be better spent on saving endangered species by mitigating human impact on ecosystems. Hany Tatwany In 1989, we launched a worldwide campaign to find the Saudi gazelle, dubbed 'Operation Saudi Gazelle,' to locate living specimens of this unique animal, found exclusively in the Kingdom. The gazelle was extinct in the wild and known only from museum skin samples. After failing to locate living gazelles in the wild, we redirected our efforts to protecting endangered species that still exist in the Kingdom. Several conservation organizations argue that resources would be better spent on saving endangered species by mitigating human impact on ecosystems. After all, pouring scientific and financial capital into reviving extinct species like the dire wolf — not to mention the woolly mammoth, thylacine or even the dodo — does nothing to help the millions of species alive today that urgently need our support. Science can — and should — support conservation. But it must be grounded in ethics and responsibility. Misleading headlines do more harm than good. What is lacking is not technology but support, funding and consistent care for the biodiversity that still survives. We are losing species every day at an alarming rate, while simultaneously spending millions trying to bring back animals that no longer exist. Instead, scientists should be fighting to protect the animals still clinging to existence. They are not extinct or mythical. They are just overlooked. • Hany Tatwany is a conservationist with more than 38 years of experience in biodiversity conservation.
